When a mysterious force decimates the population, only one thing is certain -- if you see it, you die. The survivors must now avoid coming face to face with an entity that takes the form of their worst fears. Searching for hope and a new beginning, a woman and her children embark on a dangerous journey through the woods and down a river to find the one place that may offer sanctuary. To make it, they'll have to cover their eyes from the evil that chases them -- and complete the trip blindfolded.
Director: Susanne Bier
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Tom Hollander, BD Wong, Sarah Paulson, Colson Baker John Malkovich
Rating: R for violence, bloody images, language and brief sexuality
Release Date: December 21, 2018
Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
Runtime: 2h 4 min
Review:
Bird Box the film is one of those film's that ultimately suffer from comparisons to another better film from this year, The Quiet Place. The interesting thing is that the film only shares a handful of conceits with that film instead it feels much closer to a slightly elevated version of M. Night Shyamalan god awful The Happening. That proximity doesn't do the film any favors especially since both expect you to take people running away from wind seriously and dramatically. Bird Box, at the very least, gives a passing mention of a more supernatural explanation for the situation but it's clearly not interested in exploring the cause with any depth. What works for the film is its direction and cast which make the film far more watchable than it should be. Sandra Bullock carries the film with ease even if her character isn't the most likable character of the group. Trevante Rhodes character comes off slightly better but his character isn't explored enough to come off as a fully formed character. The remaining cast is filled with well known names and faces, all of whom elevate what amounts to fodder to get picked off as the film proceeds. Its a missed opportunity since the cast, had they been given meatier roles, could have made for a more impactful film. As is, Bird Box is a passable genre entry that will be quickly forgotten the instant it's over.
C
Bird Box the film is one of those film's that ultimately suffer from comparisons to another better film from this year, The Quiet Place. The interesting thing is that the film only shares a handful of conceits with that film instead it feels much closer to a slightly elevated version of M. Night Shyamalan god awful The Happening. That proximity doesn't do the film any favors especially since both expect you to take people running away from wind seriously and dramatically. Bird Box, at the very least, gives a passing mention of a more supernatural explanation for the situation but it's clearly not interested in exploring the cause with any depth. What works for the film is its direction and cast which make the film far more watchable than it should be. Sandra Bullock carries the film with ease even if her character isn't the most likable character of the group. Trevante Rhodes character comes off slightly better but his character isn't explored enough to come off as a fully formed character. The remaining cast is filled with well known names and faces, all of whom elevate what amounts to fodder to get picked off as the film proceeds. Its a missed opportunity since the cast, had they been given meatier roles, could have made for a more impactful film. As is, Bird Box is a passable genre entry that will be quickly forgotten the instant it's over.
C
