George Clooney remains firmly on the ground in The Midnight Sky, a new Netflix space drama that debuts today, but his thoughts drift far beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Adapted from Lily Brooks-Dalton’s novel Good Morning, Midnight, the film marks Clooney’s seventh directorial effort. His previous works include Suburbicon, The Monuments Men, The Ides of March, Leatherheads, Good Night, and Good Luck, and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.
George Clooney explores isolation and survival in The Midnight Sky (Photo: The Midnight Sky/Smokehouse Pictures, Anonymous Content, and Netflix)The screenplay, written by Mark L. Smith, delivers an emotional journey, and while some viewers may predict the twist long before it arrives, others might be too immersed in the tension to notice.
For those seeking clarity on The Midnight Sky’s conclusion or hoping to confirm theories about its unexpected turn, here’s an in-depth look at how the story wraps up.
What is the Midnight Sky About?
Clooney portrays Augustine Lofthouse, a scientist stationed at an Arctic research facility who voluntarily remains behind after his colleagues evacuate due to Earth’s exposure to lethal radiation.
Diagnosed with cancer, Augustine is aware that his time is limited. However, he soon realizes that he isn’t alone—he discovers a young girl named Iris (Caoilinn Springall), who was inadvertently left behind.
Though she doesn’t speak, he identifies her name through a drawing she makes. Augustine attempts to reach the crew that departed, but communication is impossible.
Determined to warn the spacecraft Æther—which is returning from a mission to Jupiter, unaware of Earth’s catastrophic state—he decides to take Iris to another base with a stronger antenna.
Interwoven with the present-day storyline are flashbacks revealing a younger version of Augustine (played by Ethan Peck) and his past relationship with a woman named Jean (Sophie Rundle).
Their relationship ended when Jean, carrying Augustine’s child, left after realizing he was more devoted to his work than to their family.
How Does the Midnight Sky End?
Upon reaching the facility with the stronger communication system, Augustine and Iris attempt to send a warning to Æther.
Despite their efforts, two of the crew members opt to return to Earth via shuttle, while Sully (Felicity Jones) and Adewole (David Oyelowo) choose to head back toward Jupiter’s moon, avoiding the planet’s dire fate.
During her final conversation with Augustine, Sully unknowingly reveals that she is his daughter. Though she remains unaware of this connection, she recalls how much her mother admired Augustine.
As she speaks, Augustine stands with Iris, gazing at the sky. However, as the moment lingers, the truth becomes clear—he is now alone, his hand extended toward empty space where Iris once stood.
What is the Twist in the Midnight Sky?
The film never explicitly states it, but the implication is undeniable: Iris never existed outside of Augustine’s mind.
Subtle clues hint at this revelation throughout the movie—her near-complete silence, the dreamlike quality of her only spoken line, and the improbable circumstances of her presence at the base.
Augustine’s subconscious manifested Iris as a means of pushing him toward one last heroic act—ensuring Æther’s survival. His mind provided a purpose in his final days, a reason to endure harsh conditions and complete his mission.
This realization reframes his journey, transforming it from a simple survival story into a deeply personal reckoning with his past. Clooney’s character, long detached from human connection, finds solace in an imaginary companion before facing the inevitable.
