Modest storytelling and genuine performances make this cautionary tale work on multiple levels

Rating: 7/10 (29 December 2018)

The film leads with a decent backdrop, providing both a sense of family value and realistic character qualities. We are given just enough details surrounding the main protagonist and her motivation for survival almost immediately. Our heroine is with child, and seemingly has a positive relationship with her (presumably older) sister, who is perhaps even her best friend. As the story progresses, we will learn that they share a common bitterness towards their late father, who apparently lacked any worthy patriarchal qualities. So, given that, we can surmise that the two are basically the only family each other has. As it begins, this family is happy and full of hope. Not too soon after, however, the mood changes with the vague unfolding of chaotic events that leaves the older sister deceased, and our protagonist alone and pregnant. The vague chaos, as it is, revolves around a mysterious attack that seems to be occurring on a global scale. We see streets filled with people intentionally killing themselves upon looking up towards the sky. We don't see any visible entities and we don't know for certain what this "invasion" really is, but it's likely inferred that it may be linked to an extraterrestrial threat. That being said, the majority of the population appears to be under the influence of this threat, and ultimately end up engaging in a mass suicide/homicide course of action. Our heroine finds refuge and friendship in a local house where we are introduced to several new characters of different backgrounds and beliefs. As typical survival scenarios play out, some characters are foils that highlight the attributes and qualities of our main protagonists, and some are not to be trusted. As it turns out, there are confrontations and connections that keep the story's momentum going. As a result, our leading lady finds herself raising two young children alongside her newfound love interest, all leading up to five years after the initial events. Without giving away the best spoilers, it's safe to say that many people are loved and hated, and most meet an untimely demise. This may certainly upset the audience, but it is tastefully executed for contextual purposes. Overall, the story seems to present a very powerful and relevant message at its core. The concept of sight and equality are obvious, however, the importance of family and community are most essential, especially when it unifies a damaged and distraught collection of people who ultimately realize that they have more in common than they initially believed prior to the catastrophic events that take place. Symbolism aside, the acting feels very real and there are more than enough genuine performances to keep the ball rolling in this simple tale. Top nods go out to Sandra Bullock and rising newcomer Trevante Rhodes for their roles. All-in-all, this is soon to be a cult classic that truly explores the concept of a melting pot society at a crucial time when race and gender equality seem to bolster more hate than love. There are real threats beyond delusional vanity and any other distorted interpretation of anthropocentrism. Remember equality while watching this movie.