The Midnight Sky

George Clooney's most visually ambitious directorial venture is a timely apocalyptic sci-fi drama that is more a linked pair of survival/adventure tales. On Earth, Clooney plays a terminally ill scientist who must brave the Arctic elements to inform a deep space crew that the world is dying. On the ship, the crew - led by Felicity Jones and David Oyelowo - navigate through their own catastrophes. It's a handsomely crafted epic for Clooney, who toggles deftly between intimate human drama and vast shots of space. Among the fine cast, Jones brings pep to her pregnant astronaut, while Oyelowo and co-star Kyle Chandler are effortlessly noble screen presences. Expect nothing groundbreaking from this story of endurance and responsibility, but recognise Clooney's impressive strides as a blockbuster film-maker.