You're probably living under a rock if you have yet to hear about Netflix's newest original film "Bird Box". With Sandra Bullock as the lead, there was never really any doubt it would be worth watching, but now that it's finally streamable it can be said with absolute certainty. It is yet another to be added to the long list of book adaptations that do not disappoint. For anyone who has yet to carve out two hours of their day for this film, now is the time to clear your schedule.
The movie takes on a plot similar to that of A Quiet Place, but this time instead of losing the freedom to speak or make noise, the characters are forced to avoid opening their eyes whenever they're outside. If they are unlucky enough to open their eyes and look at the mysterious creatures, they instantly commit suicide, with no explanation. Despite this sounding like a bizarre plotline, there are some definite plot twists and it ends up being more than another horror movie that's scariest moments were already shown in the trailer. The talented cast including Sarah Paulson, John Malkovich, "Moonlight"'s Trevante Rhodes and Danielle Macdonald, star of "Dumplin'" made it easy to believe the on-screen chemistry between characters an truly empathize with their circumstances.
Sandra Bullock's character, Malorie, is hard to relate to and difficult to sympathize with early on but you quickly root for her survival in the post-apocalyptic world she is thrown into. Though there are some gratuitous gory and gruesome scenes, there is a larger focus on the characters than on trying to make the audience jump as many times as possible. Malorie's efforts to help her two children, Boy and Girl, survive essentially on her own makes this more of a story about the ability of human beings, women in particular, to survive even in the most difficult circumstances. It focuses on family dynamics and the tough choices people face in times of need.
Cassidy O'Lear
The fear it produces in the audience is harder to achieve than simply having monsters jump out of closets. It forces each person to imagine how they would manage navigating the world without their sight and whether they would be willing to sacrifice themselves for loved ones. Without giving away to much of the plot, the added twist that the monsters do not affect all people in the exact same way keeps you on the edge of your seat desperately hoping the characters can make it to safety.
Even if you aren't someone who enjoys the idea of being scared when you could just as usually watch "Love Actually" for the 10th time this month, just know it will be worth it.
