Clever premise marred by conventional, sappy ending

Rating: 5/10 (21 February 2020)

I became mildly interested in this movie when a student mentioned it in my horror-film class. However, I became skeptical when the film went all mainstream by snagging the Best Picture Oscar.
I was right to be hesitant. This movie has some strengths, including its cinematography and stunning musical score, but its story line goes wildly astray in its second half.
Here we have the story of an impoverished family of freeloaders who ingratiate themselves into the lives and home of a wealthy family. Just when it looks like they'll get away with their scam, everything is threatened by the return of the family's fired homemaker.
At this point, the movie careens into thoroughly unlikely territory that is slightly reminiscent of recent horror movies like "Get Out" and "The Hostel." There are indeed moments of high tension, such as when the family has to sneak out of the house when their hosts are sleeping nearby.
A Noah's Ark-level rain shower and flood is good for its special effects but does nothing to advance the story.
The movie's maudlin ending is the weakest part of the film. By the time the movie reaches its denouement the audience doesn't like what remains of the family and doesn't give a fig about its Morse Code messaging.
To me, the ending seemed haphazardly slapped on because the producers didn't know how else to end this work. Anti-climactic to the max!