A DARK PLACE

Rating: 8/10 (1 January 2019)

I don't often write reviews, particularly with a hangover, but I was compelled to with this one.
Less than half of the first day of the new year lapsed and I've already seen one of the top 5 films I'll see in 2019 - Bird Box. No spoliers contained.
Though not captured with quite as much stunning camera work as A Quiet Place (it perhaps being enhanced by containing virtually no dialogue), they both successfully deliver the goods via similar plot devices. While thematically AQP utilises sound and forced silence to drive the story forward, Bird Box uses vision and forced blindness to do this.
Like AQP, Bird Box has separate sub plots - plus a duel timeline - giving itself bags of its personality and uniqueness to differentiate it from any other horror/thriller I've seen.
There's a wide range of cast members, with similar sized roles, all performing excellently. In the central role, Sandra Bullock is in fine form, capably managing to exhibit the extreme strength and fragility the character demands. Doing so often at the same time.
It's a highly effective emotional roller-coaster with some very suspenseful and creepy moments, making this 2+ hour masterpiece pass like a 90minuter. Available on Netflix, though not one for kids.
Happy new year!