Sandra Bullock stars in Bird Box, a high-concept, gripping sci-fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is terrorized by an unseen force that haunts anyone who looks outside.
From the first few minutes of Bird Box, you’ll be reminded of the tense atmosphere in A Quiet Place, starring Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. Both survival thrillers depict a near future where humans live in constant fear of an external threat. In A Quiet Place, survival hinges on avoiding sound that attracts danger, while in Bird Box, the threat is linked to sight; looking outside invites an unknown force that compels people to commit suicide. Unlike the visible extraterrestrial menace in A Quiet Place, Bird Box features an invisible, intangible force.
Directed by Susanne Bier and based on Josh Malerman’s novel of the same name, Bird Box introduces us to Malorie (Sandra Bullock), who gives strict instructions to two five-year-old children as they travel down a river in a small boat—never to remove their blindfolds, or they will die.
The film flashes back five years to reveal the onset of the crisis. Malorie, pregnant at the time, is visiting her sister Jessica for a routine medical check-up when she witnesses a woman violently bashing her head against a glass panel.
Chaos quickly erupts as people begin to go mad and commit suicide. Malorie and Jessica attempt to flee but crash their vehicle when Jessica loses control. Malorie then witnesses her sister walk into traffic and die.
Fortuitously, Malorie is rescued by a group of survivors who gradually realize that an alien force has invaded Earth. The only way to survive is to keep their eyes shut and avoid going outside. Amid this unseen peril, survival becomes increasingly difficult. Ultimately, only Malorie and the two children are left fighting for their lives.
A Chilling Thriller That Keeps You on Edge (Watch the trailer)
Oscar-winning Danish director Susanne Bier, who has also won a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award, skillfully navigates the story between past and present. Her direction keeps the suspense alive and the film engaging, as we follow Malorie’s struggle to protect the children.
While Bird Box may not be the finest story, it features well-drawn characters and an ensemble cast led by Sandra Bullock, making it worth watching. There are several intriguing scenes, such as when Malorie asks the kids if anyone can remove their blindfolds to help her navigate the treacherous rapids.
Overall, the film is chilling, scary, and emotionally charged over its two-hour runtime. Bird Box is definitely worth a watch for its intense atmosphere and the constant sense of danger and uncertainty.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Sarah Paulson, BD Wong, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Tom Hollander.
Director: Susanne Bier
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Release Date: Dec 21, 2018
Where to watch Bird Box (2018)
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