Put a blindfold on Bullock and she'll still out-act you

Rating: 7/10 (28 December 2018)

Very few actors can anchor a Netflix movie and turn it into a massive hit. Sandra Bullock fits this bill, as the Academy Award-winning actress carries the apocalyptic thriller 'Bird Box' on her shoulders.
The sign of a solid "mess with your mind" thriller is when it stays with you long after you watch it. In 'Box,' Bullock stars as Mallorie, a mother who must guide her children while blindfolded through the wilderness as supernatural forces try to hunt them down. As the film progresses, pieces begin to fall into place that help the audience understand the events that transpired. While some twists can be seen from a mile away, there are plenty of "OMG" moments around every corner, which feel like a punch to your gut. Not every film in this genre can accomplish this nowadays, but writer Eric Heisserer and director Susanne Bier were able to achieve this. A lot of this is due to smart cinematography, as well. Using tight shots that leave much to the imagination about what's going on surrounding the actors, as well as quick transitions and flashbacks - these techniques work well here.
Bullock is of course the lead here, but a number of familiar faces are seen hiding in houses behind drapes and shades. Sarah Paulson stars as the sister of Mallorie, and although her screentime is not super long, she brings "horror cred" to the film. Others like BD Wong, Machine Gun Kelly and Trevante Rhodes do alright, with the latter making the biggest impact. And John Malkovich is quintessential John Malkovich, bourbon and all. But 'Box' is really all about Sandra, and she steals every scene she's in.
And then there's the birds. Birds represent much more than winged creatures who sing. Not only do they serve a functional purpose, but they are also emblematic of the psychological imprisonment that humanity experiences throughout the film. And so the film's title is not as random as it seems.
There have been a few Netflix films that have gone on to garner buzz (and some even critical acclaim), and 'Bird Box' is surely one that will encourage more to be made.