BIRD BOX

BIRD BOX - A

A well written, well directed, well acted film. While I think it is mislabeled as a horror and incorrectly hyped for its scares, it delivered as a psychological thriller, full of suspense and action. Danger a better description than fear. Urgency a better description than terror.

Ambiguity was used well and appropriately. Keeping the force at a realm of possibilities rather than narrowing it to a certainty, created a greater sense of urgency. Created a fascination of curiosity, eager to see what happened next.

The romance in this film while not necessarily needed, was also not misplaced, forced or hokey. It had potential to be, but through proper pacing and transition felt genuine and natural.

What was most impressive about the writing was the arch of the characters and the ability to let the story create its own moral without being didactic. Spare the spoil, the selflessness of the selfish clever, believable and effective.

Performances were superb. Sandra Bullock was a great lead. John Malkovich, B.D. Wong, Trevante Rhodes and the rest of the cast were very good.

I would think traveling around blindfolded would present a few more difficulties than what it did. Seemed to always walk in the clear. Perhaps it can be justified through off screen experience but birds surviving all that time, all that distance and all that turmoil? Sorry not buying it.

Really though, those nit picky details are my only real complaint about the film.

You're always looking for good work done by female directors Jaret Morlan. Well, here you go.

With A QUIET PLACE being centered around sound and this film being centered around sight, I can't help but wonder if maybe the wisest move would be to try and make one now centered around smell.