Beauty and Suspense

Rating: 9/10 (7 August 2018)

This film was really interesting. There are many complaints about how no back story was given on the family or events leading up to the post-apocalyptic setting of the film, but I think that was a big part of the beauty of the film. There is no past, no future, this family is focusing on the present in order to keep each other safe and survive (this is what many reviewers miss).
Character insight is developed through brilliant acting. You get glimpses into who they would be or who they used to be before these monsters arrived. These points of the film require emotional intelligence to pick up on, they are very subtle and very well done. That is part of what is beautiful about this film as well.
The moments of suspense were very intense. Emily Blunt's portrayal of giving birth in absolute silence with predators closing in was visceral. Krasinski's portrayal of a strong father protector was entirely moving. Perhaps this movie is better enjoyed by parents, who have a different understanding of what lengths we would go to in order to protect our children.
This movie evokes a real emotional response, and perhaps that is what other reviewers did not like, maybe they were just looking for some scares and cheap thrills. I was moved by the acting, captivated by the story, and petrified by the suspense. This film exceeded my expectations.