A Decent Film, Just Don't Try This At Home

Rating: 7/10 (10 January 2019)

So I was going through social media and I kept seeing people talking about this movie on Netflix called Bird Box and I was curious as to what this was all about considering the fact that this film inadvertently spawned an internet challenge where everyone is doing everyday things while blindfolded (yeah, I don't get it). So, after seeing people talk about it, I've decided to give this one a watch. Is this really worth the hype? Well, let's start with the plot.
Sandra Bullock plays a mother named Malorie who, along with two children only referred to as Boy and Girl, must navigate through a forest and a dangerous river rapids completely blindfolded to reach a sanctuary while avoiding supernatural entities that, upon seeing them, will cause people to go insane and kill themselves. Much of the story is told through flashback beginning with entities' attack on humanity and a then-pregnant Malorie meets up with a group of survivors.
Even though this was based on the novel of the same name, this movie very much reminds me of A Quiet Place, which is one of my favorite horror films in recent years. While it's similar in tone and atmosphere, this is more of an emotional story revolving around our main character having to deal with what's happening around her and reluctantly becoming the mother of two children in a post-apocalyptic environment. It does have some tense moments, but not as terrifying as A Quiet Place where you never know what will happen.
The performances from the cast are pretty good, especially Sandra Bullock. Trevante Rhodes from Moonlight is also good as Tom, a strong-willed and likable character who is caring and helps Malorie through a dangerous and emotional time. John Malkovich plays the typical stubborn a**hole character found in any kind of horror film, but I find him kinda hilarious whenever he gets pissed drunk and start saying pessimistic remarks. But the real star is Sandra Bullock in probably one her best roles since Gravity.
Overall, while it may be original pre se and it was a little bit overhyped, I genuinely enjoyed it for the most part, mainly due to the atmosphere and some solid performances. The one thing I found disappointing was that we never see what the monsters look like, where they came from, and how are they able to manipulate people into killing themselves. Also, some of the flashback scenes either don't make sense or tend to drag a little. I still prefer A Quiet Place to be the better film, but, as far as a movie with plenty of suspense and emotion, it's not too bad. Just don't do anything from this film, or in real life for that matter, blindfolded.
Final Verdict: 7/10