David Pierdomenico
While Netflix may be known for its incredibly popular TV series (Orange is the New Black, Stranger Things, Black Mirror, 13 Reasons Why, etc.), they’ve always seemed to struggle with their original films. Usually they’re panned as poorly written and acted, and many seem like nothing more than cheesy made for TV movies from decades past (who else remembers those subpar Stephen King TV miniseries from the 80’s/90’s?!). But what happens when a streaming service normally known for mediocre original films releases something that’s actually quite brilliant? The result: it sets the internet on fire!
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Genre
The film opens with an incredibly bleak but compelling scene of Malorie (Sandra Bullock) trying to instruct two young children about how they will traverse a river. She warns them that if they remove their blindfolds or make a mistake, she will hurt them and they will all likely die. From there it jumps back five years to a much more civilized and pregnant Malorie. After returning from the doctor with her sister (Sarah Paulson), a devastating epidemic sweeps across the city. People are suddenly overcome by some sort of trance and proceed to commit suicide. Malorie manages to find refuge in a house with other survivors. They soon discover that the mass suicides are caused by seeing these unnamed creatures. But if one simply doesn’t see them, one will be safe, hence all the blindfolding.
By far one of the strongest aspects of the film is its stellar cast. Sandra Bullock is bold and brutal, but vulnerable and heartbreaking when she has to be. Once again she proves why she’s an Oscar winner. John Malkovich also plays a significant role as Douglas, a former lawyer who quickly adopts a survival of the fittest mentality in this post-apocalyptic world. As we watch their survival philosophies clash we want to agree with Malorie, but deep down we must admit Douglas makes compelling points, even if they seem rather heartless.
The rest of the cast includes BD Wong (Jurassic Park franchise), Jackie Weaver, Lil Rey Howery (Get Out), Parminder Nagra (ER and Bend it Like Beckham), Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight) and rapper Machine Gun Kelly. It’s a very diverse cast whose characters are all from completely different social groups. But that’s part of what makes the story interesting. None of these people would have gotten along in civilization, but in these dire situations they’re forced together.
Working Where Other Films Didn’t (Minor Spoilers)
Shortly after it debuted, some viewers were quick to point out similarities between Bird Box and other films like A Quiet Place, The Road, and The Happening. While it does have similar ideas, it pulls off its storytelling far better than something like The Happening. That film went down the path of unintentional hilarity as the audience bore witness to Mark Wahlberg trying to talk to a plant. The problem that film had was revealing that it was the plants, treating that like it was some twist, and trying too hard to be humorous throughout. On the contrary Bird Box never actually shows the creatures, thus making them more frightening and mysterious, and it keeps its dark and bleak tone throughout. There are moments of humor, but these are more between characters blowing off steam than for the audience to laugh. It seems more realistic that way.
One of the creepiest ideas the film explores is that not everyone who sees the creatures automatically kill themselves. Instead, some people seem to lose their minds and try to get others to see. They proclaim that the sight is beautiful to behold and forcefully remove other people’s blindfolds. It only adds to the horror and tension as people who are trying their best to survive are being thwarted by these crazed people who seem to be serving the creatures’ agenda. The entire film remains this bleak until the ending, which admittedly has a happier, positive tone. But because of everything Malorie went through, it feels earned.
Becoming a New Horror Classic
Hopefully Netflix sees the reception and starts releasing better original films. Part of why Bird Box took off the way it did was that it feels like something that could have been released theatrically to critical and financial success. As times and technologies are changing, so too is the manner in which we consume entertainment. Stephen King even weighed in that perhaps the reason some people hated it was a backlash against the fact that it was released to streaming, as if there is less prestige than playing in theaters. Either way, Bird Box is a film that’s far better than it should be. And it’s without a doubt the best horror film Netflix has ever released!
