Bird Box (2018)
Five years after an ominous unseen presence drives most of society to suicide, a survivor and her two children make a desperate bid to reach safety.
Details
Budget
$19,800,000
Rating
7/10 (10054 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Bluegrass Films, Chris Morgan Productions
About Bird Box
Adapted from Josh Malerman’s novel, "Bird Box" is a post-apocalyptic thriller where an unseen presence drives people to suicide if they look at it. The story follows a survivor, played by Sandra Bullock, and two children as they navigate a dangerous world, blindfolded, in search of safety. The film uses a dual-timeline structure, showing events five years after the initial catastrophe alongside the immediate aftermath.
The film explores themes of survival and motherhood under extreme duress, with a constant sense of dread maintained by the unknown nature of the threat. While it has elements of horror and drama, the narrative focuses on the characters' desperate journey and their attempts to adapt to a world where sight is deadly. The ensemble cast, including John Malkovich and Trevante Rhodes, contributes to the tension within the various survival groups.
The concept of a world where visual perception leads to fatal consequences sets "Bird Box" apart from many other post-apocalyptic stories. Its use of blindfolds as a primary survival mechanism creates unique challenges and visual storytelling opportunities. The film's critical reception is mixed, with a 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 51/100 on Metacritic, indicating varied opinions on its execution and the depth of its plot.
Why you might be searching for Bird Box
People often search for "Bird Box" due to its distinctive premise of an invisible entity that causes suicide upon sight, leading characters to wear blindfolds for survival. Its post-apocalyptic setting and the unique challenges faced by the protagonists, including the white water rafting sequence, are also memorable aspects that drive searches.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the movie to be a unique entry in the horror genre, comparing it favorably to other films with similar concepts, despite not fully meeting all expectations.
Read the full reviewA reviewer appreciated the original concept of the mass crisis but felt that the dramatic interactions among the characters were not always compelling and the explanation for the phenomenon was incomplete.
Read the full reviewDespite some technical frustrations with the narrative structure, one critic recommended the film for its interesting premise and strong cast, particularly highlighting Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich's performances.
Read the full reviewAnother review noted that the film effectively uses its dual-timeline structure to balance present danger with the origin of the chaos, though it leaves some ambiguity regarding the creature's logic.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Bird Box" on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. There are currently no free streaming options for the movie.
"Bird Box" is not based on a true story; it is based on the 2014 novel by Josh Malerman.
In "Bird Box," Malorie and the two children reach a compound that turns out to be the Janet Tucker School for the Blind. They discover that many survivors there, including Rick, are blind. The birds Malorie brought help warn the sighted people when the unseen force is near. Malorie also reunites with Dr. Lapham from her prenatal appointment and names the children Olympia and Tom, leading to a largely positive ending, which differs slightly from the book where most survivors had blinded themselves.
"Bird Box" received mixed to average reviews from critics, with a 64% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 51 out of 100 on Metacritic. While some found it to have moments of fright, others criticized its thin screenplay and predictable elements.