Introduction –
A sci-fi web series, Night Sky is divided into 8 episodes of varying lengths. Episode 1, “To the Stars” introduces various characters and the secret chamber that leads to another planet through a mysterious tunnel located in the backyard of Franklin and Irene York and Episode 2, “La Capilla” escalates the tension and the puzzle further with the introduction of two other characters, Stella and Toni.
Synopsis –
EPISODE 1 – To the Stars
Franklin ( J. K. Simmons ) and Irene ( Sissy Spacek ) are in their early seventies and emotionally connected. While Franklin is turning senile, forgetting important errands and “To Do” chores, Irene is stuck to the wheelchair, at least for the major part of her daily life. On the face of it everything appears honky-dory except for the age related issues. However, it is not so. The aged couple is hiding a secret from the world.
The couple has a small shed within their property which has a secret door and a tunnel. This tunnel leads to another circular room. Franklin and Irene visit this place frequently and each time they are transported to a distant galaxy, presumably a martial observation deck. After arriving, they ease into their respective chairs and look out through the large glass window, at the distant Milky Way and the stars. A door is attached to this observatory which leads to the outside world, the actual planet which Franklin and Irene tried once but failed.
Franklin and Irene return using the same channel.
Like all secrets, even theirs seem vulnerable of getting exposed. Byron ( Adam Bartley ), their inquisitive neighbor keeps a watch on Franklin and Irene’s nocturnal escapades to the shed. He mentions their strange behavior on his Facebook page which interestingly is read by Denise ( Kiah McKirnan ), granddaughter of Franklin and Irene.
Denise calls up Franklin and suggests that they meet. Franklin agrees and the two catch up over coffee and cake while he drops Irene at the hospital for her regular medical checkup. Franklin convinces Denise that everything is alright, that his neighbor is just a good for nothing fella, always snooping and intruding into their private lives. Although Denise is unconvinced she nods and suggests that they sell the house and move back to city.
The Observation Deck continues to haunt Irene and beckons her for a revisit
Back home Irene debates on her death and what Franklin would do after she is gone. Franklin says he too will die. Irene demands that he move to the city and enjoy life instead of brooding. The conversation turns Franklin skeptical. He probes further but finds no answer to Irene’s growing infatuation for the Martian observatory or her death debates. Irene says that its time she went to the observatory and opened the door that would offer a peek into the other world. However, Franklin warns her from doing so.
That night, after Franklin goes to sleep, Irene walks to the shed all alone, without the wheelchair, and travels to the Martian observatory deck. She has written a note for Franklin knowing that he’d come looking for her. She keeps the letter on the table and then heads to the enigmatic door. She is about to open when she hears wheezing sounds. She turns back, surprised to see a man sprawled on the floor of the deck pleading for help.
EPISODE 2 – La Capilla
Episode 2 has little to offer. The man Irene finds on the Martian Observation Deck is brought home. Although Franklin is wary of him he agrees to Irene’s request, that they keep the police and the doctors out of it. The duo treats this man who calls himself Jude.
This episode also reveals a parallel story; an event occurring in Argentina, where a woman named Stella ( Julieta Zylberberg ) is guarding a similar secret. However, her teenage daughter, Toni ( Rocío Hernández ) is angry at her because of her mysterious ways. Toni’s school friends think she is a freak, belonging to a brainwashed family and a cult group. The back story also reveals another mysterious character in their lives; a man who asks Stella if she is training Toni for the task.
At the end of the episode, Jude extracts a chip from his leg and then walks out of the house and into the open.
Analysis –
The stage is set for a thrilling sci-fi journey and the mystery surrounding the secret door to another planet. The only problem is the pace. Episode 1 seems a tad too sluggish, as most of the time is wasted on building up the drama through small talk and back story. Cinematography is excellent, short compositions exquisite and the direction top notch, especially the close up shots. J. K. Simmons and Sissy Spacek are a treat to watch, especially their expressions and timely pauses. Background score complements the theme which incidentally is crucial for building the suspense further.
2022 Juan José Campanella Holden Miller Total 113 Minutes Amazon Prime Video