Bird Box (2018)

Director: Susanne Bier
Stars: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich
Runtime: 124 minutes

Synopsis: A mysterious presence drives anyone who sees it to commit suicide.

• Performances: 6/10

Why? Despite having a cast made up of many A-listers, the acting in "Bird Box" was mediocre at best. Sandra Bullock, definitely not helped by the film's script, gave one of her weakest performances in a while as Malorie, a woman trying to survive what seems to be the end of the world. John Malkovich and Lil Rel Howery were typecast as characters we've seen them portray in the past in much superior films. As for Jackie Weaver and Sarah Paulson, their talent was completely wasted as they play secondary characters with very limited screentime. Trevante Rhodes gave the most interesting performance of the lot, even though it wasn't one I'm going to be remembering in a week's time.

• Screenplay: 3/10

Why? Where do I even begin? Based on a novel written by Josh Malerman, the best way to describe the plot of "Bird Box" is by comparing it to M. Night Shyamalan's "The Happening", except that unlike Shyamalan's thriller, it can't really be enjoyed as an unintentional comedy. The Netflix original film is filled with plotholes, weak dialogue, poor character decisions, and an unsatisfying ending that felt disconnected from the rest of the movie. The film desperately tries to be something it's not, and sadly lost me very early on without ever gaining back my interest.   

• Costumes/Makeup: 6/10

Why? Pretty basic. Some injuries didn't look as realistic as they could've been, but I can't say that it affects the quality of the film much.

• Editing: 4/10

Why? Lots of filler scenes and a nonlinear narrative that adds nothing to the story. It tries to present itself as this complicated, deep thriller but fails miserably at doing so.

• Cinematography: 7/10

Why? Some exterior scenes did look pretty interesting from an aesthetic point of view, and the camera work is not bad at all and actually helps add tension and mystery to a film that relies on it to work. "Bird Box" is at least well shot. 

• Score/Soundtrack: 5/10

Why? Very generic. I honestly never felt its presence, which is a missed opportunity considering the fact that the movie could've benefited a lot from it.

FINAL GRADE: 4/10