Directed by:
Susanne BierScreenplay:
Eric HeissererCinematography:
Salvatore TotinoCast:
Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Sarah Paulson, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Tom Hollander (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
In this unpredictable sci-fi thriller, based on the bestselling novel of the same name, a mother, Malorie (Sandra Bullock), and two children navigate a hostile, even demonic landscape after an apocalyptic event. As Malorie confronts her ambivalence toward motherhood while learning the rules of her new uncertain existence, she and a small group of survivors must grasp in the dark — figuratively and literally — in the hope that there is life outside of themselves. (AFI Fest)
(more)Videos (2)
Reviews (13)
It is impossible not to compare Bird Box with the very similar A Quiet Place. In this case, the creatures sensitive to the subtlest sounds are replaced by creatures you are not allowed to look at, almost like Medusa's gaze; it won’t turn you into stone, but it does make you go crazy. If I had to choose between these two thematically similar films, I would choose A Quiet Place. Bird Box offers a very decent set-up, and since it takes place in two time planes, the story doesn't feel so monotonous. What it lacks, however, is a greater dose of suspense and fear, which I would expect in a film like this. The atmosphere did make me feel a bit uncomfortable at times, but I expected maybe something more in that regard. However, the final scene from the boat was very powerful, as was the following sequence from the forest. The film would definitely have benefited from a shorter running time, a denser plot and more tension. I was obviously curious to see how the story would turn out, but I think it could have been done more effectively.
()
Netflix, a good director, decent idea and actors. That’s becoming a synonym for 2018. I hope that sticks with the years to come as Birdbox is quite a good apocalyptic drama I could imagine as a series. What makes me happy is that Sandra Bullock again proved herself to be a great actress. Not many people appreciate her, still I think she deserves some respect. Similarly to the plot of the movie which kept me on the edge of my seat from start to end. However I know how hard it is to walk blindfolded through the forest – had the honor on a team-building exercise I went to – and the characters in this movie made it seem all too easy. It’s true that the plot is a bit naive yet under Susanne Bier’s baton it works perfectly and the movie deserves attention.
()
For me, on the same level of A Quiet Place (which I actually liked a little bit less than the average rating would suggest), though it also has some passages that will make a sane viewer facepalm. The behaviour of the characters doesn’t correspond to what would be sensible a given situation (can anyone explain me why nobody paid attention to the guy who in the flashback was experimenting with cameras around the house?). Taken as a whole, however, it’s professionally put together, with solid performances and direction. But expecting a masterpiece would be a mistake.
()
Netflix has been heating up nicely under the boiler for the last quarter of a year and has released another solid genre film that appears to be a little sibling to A Quiet Place. Danish director Susanne Bier, from whom I've only seen the solid thriller In a Better World, is definitely a decent director and add to that a perfect Sandra Bullock, a solid John Malkovich and new discovery Trevante Rhodes, who’s starred in The Predator and 12 Strong. Sarah Paulson is also here in a smaller role. Bird Box is a mix of several films at once, but it takes the best of them and makes a tasty post-apocalyptic cocktail that is top-notch in craftsmanship and acting, engaging in plot, and there are a few surprises. The film manages to build tension brilliantly at certain points and there's a bit of gore too, so I can hardly complain. Solid. It's just a shame that the film ends where it could easily have started. 80%.
()
I liked it a little more than A Quiet Place, because this film started, continued and ended with a intimate-depressing atmosphere, and never drifted towards action scenes at all costs. Moreover, the evil that was causing all this was even more mysterious, unknown the entire time and thus more interesting. That's great. And the scene with the car ride to the supermarket was truly superb.
()
Ads