Is Approaching Midnight Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Approaching Midnight is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Approaching Midnight Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Approaching Midnight emerges as a significant entry in the Romance, Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Young Army staff sergeant Wesley Kent returns to his small hometown from war in Afghanistan. Unlike standard genre fare, Approaching Midnight attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Sam Logan Khaleghi, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Romance elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Approaching Midnight features a noteworthy lineup led by Jana Kramer. Supported by the likes of Sam Logan Khaleghi and Brandon T. Jackson, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Jana Kramer, Sam Logan Khaleghi, Brandon T. Jackson manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2013 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Romance, Crime, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Approaching Midnight is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Approaching Midnight follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 86 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Approaching Midnight resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Romance landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Approaching Midnight is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Young Army staff sergeant Wesley Kent returns to his small hometown from war in Afghanistan. He must cope with burying the body of his best friend under his command and enduring the news of the death of his girlfriend Aspen Malverne who passed away in a car accident while he was abroad.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Approaching Midnight (2013) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3/10 and strong performance metrics in the Romance, Crime, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Jana Kramer, Sam Logan Khaleghi, Brandon T. Jackson or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Approaching Midnight is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2013. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Approaching Midnight Online?
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Approaching Midnight has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Romance, Crime, Drama), viewers should expect mature themes, violence, romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3/10, and global collection metrics, Approaching Midnight stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Approaching Midnight movie hit or flop?
Approaching Midnight is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3/10 and lower collections.
Is Approaching Midnight worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3/10, Approaching Midnight may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Approaching Midnight online?
Approaching Midnight may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Young Army staff sergeant Wesley Kent returns to his small hometown from war in Afghanistan. He must cope with burying the body of his best friend under his command and enduring the news of the death of his girlfriend Aspen Malverne who passed away in a car accident while he was abroad.