In the Shadow of the Moon

Set in 1980s Philadelphia, the film follows detective Thomas Lockhart, known as Locke, a cop who craves a promotion and fixates on a case that won't fit existing science. He tracks a brutal killer whose methods defy explanation and whose victims leave a scar on the city. After nine years pass, the figure reappears, reigniting Locke's obsession and pushing him to chase clues through stale leads, conflicting loyalties, and mounting pressure. As the investigation tightens, Locke confronts rumors, guilt, and a mounting sense that truth may come at a personal cost. The pursuit threatens to fracture his career, strain his marriage, and threaten his grip on reality. As the case spirals beyond control, Locke feels the pressure mount today perhaps.

Released in 2019 on Netflix, the film was directed by Jim Mickle from an original screenplay by Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock. The film blends police procedural elements with sci fi twists that keep audiences guessing.

Box office data is not publicly reported for this Netflix release, reflecting the platform's practice of streaming premieres rather than theatrical numbers. No announced grosses exist, and the film arrived as a streaming event rather than a box office entry.

The movie sits within Netflix's slate of late 2010s high concept thrillers, appealing to viewers who binge and discuss pacing, twists, and mood. Its retro Philadelphia setting and a single minded detective focus spark conversations about obsession, personal cost, and the toll of chasing answers across time and memory today.

Critics offered a mixed but attentive response, praising the atmosphere and strong performances, especially from Boyd Holbrook as Locke and Michael C Hall as Holt. Some reviewers felt the plotting overreached, yet the film's tension, urban claustrophobia, and questions about memory, duty, and the cost of truth earned careful consideration.