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Under the Crystal Sky

  • 2025
  • 1h 7m
IMDb RATING
5.8/10
198
YOUR RATING
Under the Crystal Sky (2025)
AdventureHistorySci-Fi

An Indigenous family encounters a life changing celestial phenomenon while struggling for survival in the 1800s Southwest.An Indigenous family encounters a life changing celestial phenomenon while struggling for survival in the 1800s Southwest.An Indigenous family encounters a life changing celestial phenomenon while struggling for survival in the 1800s Southwest.

  • Director
    • Matt Hartley
  • Writers
    • Matt Hartley
    • Shiv Rajagopal
  • Stars
    • Jayd Swendseid
    • Jacquelin Arroyo
    • Joseph Williams
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.8/10
    198
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Matt Hartley
    • Writers
      • Matt Hartley
      • Shiv Rajagopal
    • Stars
      • Jayd Swendseid
      • Jacquelin Arroyo
      • Joseph Williams
    • 4User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos7

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    Top cast6

    Edit
    Jayd Swendseid
    Jayd Swendseid
    • Spiritual Elder
    Jacquelin Arroyo
    Jacquelin Arroyo
    • Ayita
    Joseph Williams
    Joseph Williams
    • Alo
    Sewwandi
    Sewwandi
    • Alona
    Sean Michael Whaling
    Sean Michael Whaling
    • Military Private #1
    • (as Sean Whaling)
    John Walker Jones
    John Walker Jones
    • Military Private #2
    • Director
      • Matt Hartley
    • Writers
      • Matt Hartley
      • Shiv Rajagopal
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews4

    5.8198
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    Featured reviews

    10richarddutton-09497

    Work of Art

    This short film truly is a work of art and a tribute to the vivid imagination of the story writers and the director. It elegantly employs the power of visual storytelling, challenging conventional cinema, and provoking thought rather than providing easy answers, and in doing so, it leaves a lasting impression.

    Shot almost entirely in black and white, with a splash of emerald-green on occasion, and with only one word spoken throughout the entire film, proves to be is a risk taken, that pays off handsomely. Color and dialogue would only serve as a distraction from this intriguing story. The exceptional performances of the cast, who convey profound emotions without uttering a single word, underscores the universal language of human experience.

    This is not a film for the lazy minded. You must engage your imagination to the full to get the benefit of this cinematic experience.

    The sound effects are put to good use, and without dialogue, the use of the background music helps you understand the feelings of the characters. Indeed, some of the background music is very moving. In the end you must work out for yourself what is going on, and for me that is a powerful plus. I thoroughly recommend you watch this film with an open mind, and imagination in top gear.

    In summary, this short film is an exquisite blend of art and narrative ingenuity, demanding both intellectual and emotional investment. It stands as a testament to the profound impact that minimalist storytelling can achieve when executed with precision and heart. A must-watch for any cinephile seeking to experience the power of film in its purest form.
    2nofo-22710

    Zero dialogue?!

    Be aware this movie has zero dialogue but has some vaguely indigenous flute music mixed in with swooning music pulled out of a 1950s family movie. The non-dialogue makes no sense. The characters just nod or point to things-even when the family comes in contact with American soldiers the interaction is all head nods and shrugs. It feels like lazy film making- like they couldn't afford a writer or figured the actors couldn't carry the line well enough to keep you watching. I skimmed through after 20 minutes of nonsense.

    The description seemed like a unique twist on the alien genre, and I was hoping for an intriguing film. But NOPE. I got an Art film. This was just not worth watching for any genre.
    1grahamathomas1

    An hour and 5 minutes I'll never get back

    I can only assume that one reviewer on here works for the production company. What a waste of film, talent and time.

    This could have been so much better.

    Although artistically shot it leaves a distinct sour taste as it comes across as a childish attempt at artiness.

    Maybe the writer, director etc, etc needs a little more experience under his belt before making another movie. Or maybe he should just involve many more people in the film making process. Either way this movie falls way short of entertainment.

    The film just doesn't involve you in any way and you find a total lack of empathy for the actors.

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    Storyline

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • January 17, 2025 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 1h 7m(67 min)
    • Color
      • Black and White

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