IMDB overview:Five years after an ominous unseen presence drives most of society to suicide, a mother and her two children make a desperate bid to reach safety.(R)
Main cast:Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich
Release date: December 21, 2018 (
Available on Netflix)
Running time: 2h 4mins
The review:
From the famous line 'curiosity kills', this new Netflix film tells about the dangers (or the unavoidable death) when you see the unseen presence which is also the big villain in the film. It's all about survival made more difficult by the obvious fact - you see a mother and her two little children trying to find their way, without actually seeing anything.
Even when you watch the trailer, you'll know you're in for a ride - like in lots of survival films, there's a ton of tension, shock, and even tears. Lots of people have compared this to 'A Quiet Place', so if you've seen that film, you'll know what you're in for. Both film trailers have parents who are willing to do anything for their children, and both films are about the lack of one of the most important human senses. Still, each film boasts an amazing amount of drama and story that you'll definitely have to witness yourself.
This is the perfect film to see when you're on your holiday break - whether alone or with family/friends. (But it's best to make sure to keep a feel-good film ready if you want something light after this!)
Storytelling: 5/5
This story is based from the Bird Box novel by Josh Malerman. The story begins immediately without unnecessary scenes, and it's one of those films that will immediately grip you. What's going on? What's happening? Where are they going? - you'll find yourself asking these questions as soon as the film starts. It's something we like because it immediately dives into it, and it leaves you wanting more.
(We hope this isn't too spoiler-ish but) The film also flips from present to past and present again. This format of storytelling works for this film, because it doesn't annoy you, nor does it confuse you. With some films, you'll just want the story to be focused on the past or the present but with Bird Box, you'll want to see both sides of the story. Until the very end you want to see what happens, and you won't want to skip or miss any bit.
Actors and characters: 5/5
Sandra Bullock has proven herself time and again in different genres, but to us, this is one of her best films to date. This film takes you on her journey to motherhood, even on a difficult setting. The children you see in the trailer are also children to look out for, because they're not your typical kids who don't do anything interesting or vital to the story.
There are also other characters who are vital to the story and to Malorie's overall character development - there's Sarah Paulson (Malorie's sister, ''Jessica'), Parminder Nagra (Malorie's doctor), and the people who survived during the first 'attack' - Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Machine Gun Kelly, Jackie Weaver, Daniel Macdonald, BD Wong, and lots of other familiar faces.
These actors brought the characters to life easily that you'd feel it's so easy to empathize with lots of them. The little kids (Julian Edwards and Vivien Lyra Blair, named as 'Boy' and 'Girl') were also amazing that you'll just want all of them to make it to the very end. After all, rooting for adorable little kids in films is so easy!
Cinematography: 5/5
We've already mentioned that we liked the past-present storytelling format of the film, but it's also worth nothing that this worked out so well because of the cinematography. You won't feel confused as to what time the specific scene was happening. There's also not an overload of information or events at a specific scene, so you'll be able to digest whatever is happening.
There are no fillers because every part is vital to the overall film. You won't be able to stand up and leave, or use your phone while watching because it has you hooked. Each and every bit of the film is vital to the story, and the whole thing is just an amazing experience.
Score and soundtrack: 5/5
Another important thing for every apocalyptic thriller film is it's score - can you imagine not hearing the terrifying background music just as a specific film is getting to the really good stuff?! It's not the same. For Bird Box, you'll find yourself at the edge of the seat also because of the music. This also has some songs you'll find yourself nodding your head to, even though you also fear for what will happen next.
Since this film also relies heavily on the sense of hearing, lots of parts are magnified in sound so you'll somewhat feel what the characters are hearing and feeling while their eyes are closed or covered.
Overall atmnl rating:
The whole crew did a job well done with this film, and it's such a treat that you can stream it for free on Netflix. There are lots of key points scattered throughout the film and you'll even wish it's not yet over when you reach the end. This could also work amazingly as a series, although we can just imagine how that could be even more stressful! Sandra Bullock is a gem and all the actors who starred in the film were just as amazing.
December may be a time for watching feel-good films while cozied up on the couch, but you definitely can't miss this!
Check out the trailer here and
stream it on Netflix now!
Here's our pocket review as posted on Instagram: