The Vast of Night

The Vast of Night

Year: 2020

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Patterson

Sci-FiDramaMysteryThrillerFantasy

In 1950s New Mexico, a switchboard operator and a radio DJ stumble upon a strange audio signal that ignites a captivating investigation. As night falls, they explore dropped phone calls, old tapes, and cryptic whispers, uncovering hidden secrets within their small town. Their quest to understand the signal's origin becomes a thrilling pursuit that challenges their perceptions and potentially alters the future.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Vast of Night (2020)

Trace every key event in The Vast of Night (2020) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Everett Prepares for the Game

In 1950s Cayuga, New Mexico, teenage disc jockey Everett gears up for an important high school basketball game. His excitement is palpable as he shares his enthusiasm with his friend Fay, who is also part of the day’s events.

1950s Cayuga, New Mexico
2

Testing the Tape Recorder

Everett and Fay decide to test a new tape recorder, sensing it could be useful for documenting their experiences. This moment foreshadows the important role the tape recorder will later play in uncovering the mysterious occurrences in their town.

3

Fay at Work

After testing the tape recorder, Everett escorts Fay to her job as a switchboard operator. This reflects their friendship and the small-town routine, which will soon be disrupted by extraordinary events.

Switchboard office
4

The Ominous Audio Signal

As Fay tunes into Everett's radio show, she is interrupted by a strange, ominous signal. Disturbed, she begins receiving calls from citizens who report a bizarre wind-like phenomenon in the sky, hinting at something otherworldly.

Cayuga, New Mexico
5

Billy's Mysterious Call

During Everett’s show, a caller named Billy shares his experiences at a secret military installation. His claims about a mysterious signal and an enormous object hidden underground set the tone for the emerging danger and curiosity.

Airwaves
6

Cover Ups and Health Warnings

Billy discusses military cover-ups and his lung condition, believed to be caused by his time at the secret facility. His warnings about the signals potentially being communications create a sense of urgency and mystery.

7

The Racial Conspiracy

Billy reveals a shocking detail about the personnel involved in the project, stating they were predominantly black or Mexican to undermine their credibility. This revelation deepens the plot's intrigue and reflects on societal issues.

8

Fay's Decision to Act

Fay learns that crucial recordings related to the mysterious signal are in the local library. Deciding to take action, she steals the tapes, demonstrating her resolve in the face of mounting uncertainty.

Local library
9

Power Loss at the Radio Station

As Everett and Fay attempt to broadcast the recordings, the radio station suffers a power outage. This dramatic twist further escalates the tension and illustrates the fragility of their efforts to expose the truth.

WOTW radio station
10

Reports of Unidentified Objects

In the switchboard office, Fay receives an influx of reports about unidentified objects in the sky. This surge in calls adds urgency to their investigation as more citizens express their concerns about the strange occurrences.

Switchboard office
11

Meeting Mabel

Everett and Fay visit Mabel, an elderly woman who cryptically speaks of the aliens and their intentions. Her assertions about the hypnotic abilities of the extraterrestrials cast a shadow over their investigation, heightening the mystery.

Mabel's home
12

The Car Accident

While playing Mabel's cryptic message, Everett accidentally causes a trance among his friends, leading to a near-fatal car accident. This incident heightens the atmosphere of fear and pressure surrounding their night filled with supernatural events.

Cayuga
13

Discovering the Crash Site

In the woods, Everett, Fay, and Maddie come across charred branches and an ominous opening, signaling a crash site. This discovery forces Everett to confront the possibility that aliens may indeed be real, shifting their investigation into a shocking reality.

The woods
14

Encountering the Flying Saucer

In an open clearing, the group witnesses a flying saucer near a massive mothership. The sight of the hovering craft transforms their fears into awe, marking a pivotal point in their journey as they realize they are part of something extraordinary.

Clearing near the woods
15

The Missing Footprints

As the basketball game concludes and the crowd disperses, Everett, Fay, and Maddie vanish without a trace. Their footprints and eerie tape recorder are the only remnants left behind, leaving the town unaware of the extraordinary events that have just unfolded.

Cayuga, New Mexico

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 17:15

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The Vast of Night Summary

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The Vast of Night Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Vast of Night

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Vast of Night

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