Bird Box
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Sarah Paulson, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Tom Hollander, BD Wong
Director: Susanne Bier
Based on the book "Bird Box" by Josh Malerman
A deadly outbreak hits the States, which, after exposure, causes madness and hallucinations, followed by the victim killing themselves. After losing her sister, a pregnant Malorie (Sandra Bullock) finds herself confined to a house with other survivors, which include Douglas (John Malkovich), Tom (Trevante Rhodes), and Cheryl (Jackie Weaver). The windows have been covered and they agree to only open the door if everyone covers their eyes, no matter what. The only thing they know is if they look at it, they die.
This is an interesting companion piece to A Quiet Place, which was released earlier this year. While that film concerned protagonists that had to be quiet to avoid being killed by invading monsters, this one takes away the characters’ ability to see. Both are quite terrifying scenarios and this film is the more visceral of the two. There is some undeniable tension in the film such as the opening when the outbreak hits, which is legitimately terrifying.
The performances vary from good to great, as some of the actors are barely in the film before having to off themselves in a gruesome way. Sandra Bullock does very well in a role we haven't really seen her in before, as does Trevante Rhodes. I hope this kid keeps getting roles because he has done nothing but impress. John Malkovich is a slightly less annoying version of Mrs. Carmody from The Mist.
I haven't read the book, but there is a character who enters relatively late in the film who helps steer the plot in a new direction. Despite it being hinted at, it still felt slightly inorganic to the story. I was enjoying where the story had taken me up to that point.
Despite some annoying characters and a seemingly out of nowhere plot shift, it’s well worth a look on Netflix.
B-