Sandra Bullock starrer ‘Bird Box’ is yet another high-on-concept, gripping sci-fi thriller based on a post-apocalyptic world where humankind is terrorized by some unseen monster that haunts if you sight anything outside.
The first thing you remember in the first few minutes of ‘Bird Box’ is the Emily Blunt and John Krasinski starrer ‘A Quiet Place’. We see a similar tense-filled atmosphere in the survival thriller where in a near future, humans are living under the shadow of some alien creature.
In ‘A Quiet Place,’ in order to survive – humans are forbidden to make any ‘sound’ that attracts danger, while in ‘Bird Box’ – it’s the sight of anything outside that invites an unknown force to conjure the sense of human. In the former, the danger was visible in terms of an extra-terrestrial monster, but in ‘Bird Box,’ there is some invisible influence.
Directed by Susanne Bier, ‘Bird Box’ is based on Josh Malerman’s novel of the same name. The story is unsettling in which we are introduced to Malorie (Sandra Bullock) giving strict instructions to two five-year-old kids – as they move downwards on a river in a small boat – not to remove their blindfolds, or else they will die.
As they struggle with fear and uncertainty, the movie flashes back to five years and builds the backstory where we see the onset of the crisis. Malorie is pregnant and goes for routine medical check-ups with her sister Jessica when she witnesses a woman bashing her head in a glass panel.
Before Malorie realizes anything, chaos erupts in the city as if people suddenly have turned mad and started committing suicide. Malorie and her sister try to drive away from the hospital but soon Jessica becomes insane and the vehicle overturns. In the next moment, Malorie witnesses her sister walking into the path of a truck, killing herself.
Lucky is Malorie that she gets rescued by a group of survivors where they gradually learn that some alien race or force has invaded earth and the only way they can survive is if they keep their eyes shut and don’t venture outside. But in the wake of unknown and unseen danger, it is certainly going to be tough for others to survive. Eventually, we see only Malorie and two kids fighting for their survival.
Oscar-winning Danish film director Susanne Bier (who has also won a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award) very aptly navigates the story between past and present. Her direction is impeccable in keeping the suspense alive and making the film engaging, as we see a woman struggling — yet striving to do the best for the kids.
Even though ‘Bird Box’ is not the finest story, it has a few well-drawn characters that keep the film afloat till the end. Performance by its ensemble cast, led by Sandra Bullock makes it worth a watch. Also, there are more than a few very interestingly written scenes, including the one where Malorie asks the kids if anyone can remove the blindfold and help her navigate the raging rapids.
Overall, the film is chilling, scary, and emotional in its two hours of running time. ‘Bird Box’ is definitely worth a watch for many things, including its intensity throughout the film, as we wonder about the danger and uncertainty.
Never lose sight of survival. Watch ‘Bird Box’ on Netflix. Here is the trailer:
‘Bird Box’ Plot:
When a mysterious force decimates the world’s population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they’ll have to undertake the perilous two-day journey blindfolded.
Official Plotline – Netflix
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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