Bird Box movie review: "Not your typical thriller movie"

Bird Box is a 2018 American thriller-horror film directed by Susan Bier and written by Eric Heisserer. Bird Box follows a chilling and uncompromisingly dark post-apocalyptic story. The movie is based on the 2014 novel of the same name, by Josh Malerman. The Bird Box storyline is different from the other horror movies you have watched. The movie is interestingly lacking big action sequences and CGI that you can see in a typical horror movie, it depends more on the fear experienced by its characters than actual supernatural interactions. The film’s storyline follows a post-apocalyptic situation where people must be blindfolded to survive the supernatural attack. By seeing the creatures, people get into hypnotizing mode and die immediately by committing suicide. The best part of this film is viewers will never see the strange creature which causes a post-apocalyptic situation on the screen, all they can see is a black shadow with a strong wind. As for my opinion, I think it is just enough to keep the audience engaged, even if it is a shadow, it has a captivating thriller and suspense that draws the audience into the movie.

The Bird Box alternates between two-time periods-about five years after the end of the world and in the first days when everything collapsed. The film opens in the terrifying present but spends more time in memories of Malorie to tell viewers how this situation happened. Malorie Hayes is the main character that plays a complex role in the film. The whole story is built around Malorie and how she tries to survive with her kids. The role is played by award-winning actress Sandra Bullock. In my opinion, Sandra Bullock has pulled remarkable acting in this movie, she was able to perform all raw emotions and survival scenes that highlight the whole movie. Incredible performances from Sandra Bullock and other actors did a major contribution to providing thrilling and suspenseful storytelling that keeps viewers on edge in their seats.

Bird Box: Rowboat scene

 

Bird Box movie starts with a scene in which Malorie informs two young children that they will go down a river in a rowboat. She instructs them not to remove their blindfolds whatever happens, or they will die. Then the movie takes the viewer into five years earlier to show how exactly they ended up there. Malorie is a pregnant woman that unsure about whether she will be able to love her baby or not. She expresses these feelings to her sister while they are visiting her obstetrician. On the way, they discuss reports of mass suicides happening everywhere, and then whatever is happening also comes to their hometown. People start to behave suicidally and create panic and chaos everywhere. While these things happening Malorie’s sister Jessica sees something that drives her insane to kill herself by walking in front of a moving truck. Malorie was able to run for a house for her safety, in the house, there are also other survivors. After this point, the story runs showing how they are going to survive? Who will die along the way? What is their final destination for survival, and will they be able to make it? All these stories are flowing in a very smooth continuous flow that viewers will be able to have a thrilling adventure throughout the whole movie.

 

A special thing in Bird Box movie is the director was able to establish the main characters perfectly and give meaning to other characters in a simple manner without wasting the viewer's time. The casting in this movie is superb, even the smallest character gets huge attention. But I think some character detailing and their story was missing in the movie, like what are the reasons for Malorie’s breakup with her husband and why isn’t her having an attached connection with her baby. There were some missing pieces and logical flaws in the movie but overall, the movie was excellent in my opinion. On the technical aspect, the editing and the sound effects need a special award. All the flashbacks and present times are neatly presented with crisp cuts. Also, the length of the movie is perfect for making the audience suspense and thrilled. The movie also has good sound effects and editing to maintain the tension throughout the film.

 

I believe this movie was a very intense psychological thriller movie that provides a unique experience that they can’t get from watching typical horror thriller movies. It provides a great example for the audience that even though you have past painful losses and traumas, you have the power to choose how you live. Also, the ending was heartwarming and happy which shows the love and courage of a mother make everything possible. It gives hope to the audience to be strong in their life whatever happens. Overall, Bird Box is worth watching and it was excellently filmed.