MOVIE REVIEW: BIRD BOX (2018)

                                                                 

                                                                     Bird Box (2018)

1. Synopsis

            Bird Box is a 2014 post-apocalyptic horror movie adapted by a novel who is written by Josh Malerman. The story follows a woman’s struggle to protect two children in a world where people are driven to violence by unseen monsters, touching on such themes as paranoia, raising children to deal with an uncertain future, and the dangers of exceptionalism. Following a newspaper ad, Malorie makes her way to a safe house, where the residents cautiously welcome her. To avoid seeing the creatures, they wear blindfold whenever they go outside. Malorie soon becomes friends with Tom, a former schoolteacher who is constantly looking for ways to improve their living conditions. The action of Bird Box takes place along two major timelines separated by about five years. Taking place in Michigan around 2010, the earlier timeline centers on one woman’s attempt to survive a catastrophic global event, that decimates much of the world’s population.

2. Movie Identity

-Directed by: Susanne Bier
-Screenplay by: Eric Heisserer
-Based on Bird Box, by Josh Malerman
-Produced by: Dylan Clark, Chris Morgan, Clayton Townsend
-Cinematography: Salvatore Totino
-Edited by: Ben Lester
-Music by: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
-Production companies: Bluegrass Films, Chris Morgan Productions
-Distributed by: Netflix
-Release dates: November 12, 2018 (AFI Fest), December 14, 2018 (United States)
-Running time:124 minutes
-Country: United States
-Language: English

3. Character and Characterization    

            1) Malorie Hayes: The protagonist of the story, Malorie is a strong-willed and determined woman. She is pregnant at the beginning of the novel and becomes the mother of two children, Boy and Girl. Malorie is fiercely protective of her children and is willing to make sacrifices to keep them safe. She exhibits resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness as she leads them through the treacherous journey to find safety.

2) Tom: Tom is a compassionate and caring individual who becomes a significant ally to Malorie. He forms a close bond with her and supports her in the struggle for survival. Tom is a source of strength and guidance for the group.

3) Olympia: Olympia is another pregnant woman who seeks refuge in the house with Malorie. She initially appears naive and sheltered but ultimately demonstrates her own strength and resilience. Olympia's character highlights the contrasting approaches to motherhood and survival.

4) Douglas: Douglas is an older man with a gruff and sometimes cynical demeanor. He brings a level of practicality and skepticism to the group, challenging their decisions and offering alternative perspectives. Despite his rough exterior, Douglas demonstrates a willingness to protect and help others when necessary.

5) Gary: Gary is a survivor who joins the group in the house but later reveals himself to be a threat. He has been affected by the force in a different way, becoming immune to its effects. Gary's character serves as a reminder of the dangers of trust and the potential for betrayal in a desperate and uncertain world.

6) Boy and Girl: Malorie's children, referred to as Boy and Girl, play significant roles in the story. They represent hope, innocence, and the importance of maternal love. Raised in a world of darkness, they adapt to their surroundings and develop a close bond with their mother.

4. Point of View

The novel is primarily told from a limited third-person point of view, focusing on the main protagonist, Malorie. The narration closely follows Malorie's thoughts, feelings, and experiences as she navigates the treacherous world filled with the mysterious force that compels people to commit suicide when seen.The reader is given insight into Malorie's inner thoughts, fears, and motivations as she struggles to protect herself and her children. While the narrative predominantly centers around Malorie, the point of view occasionally shifts to other characters, offering glimpses into their perspectives and experiences. These shifts provide a broader understanding of the unfolding events and the impact of the mysterious force on different individuals.

5. Setting

            1) Wooded areas: The story takes place mostly in the jungle, which shows the survival of Malorie, Tom, Girl and Boy from unseen forces and crazy people who escaped from the Northwood Mental Hospital.

            2) Small hut: Some of the stories happen there. It is where Malorie, Tom, and their children move from one hut to another to get food, and other necessities of life.

            3) River: Then, the story continues as Malorie, and her two children try to survive 48 hours on a boat during a rapids river, to get to the place tom was referring to when someone named rick contacted them.

            4) School for the blind: The last place it is where becomes a resolution when Malorie finds a school for the blind, she met Rick, someone who once contacted them to tell them there was a shelter safe from unseen force.

6. Plot

1) Exposition: It follows the journey of Malorie Hayes, a young woman who must navigate a treacherous and mysterious force that drives people to madness and suicide when they see it. The story begins with Malorie discovering that she is pregnant just as reports of a strange phenomenon start to emerge. People across the world are dying by suicide after seeing an unknown entity that brings madness. The sight of this entity is so dangerous that survivors must blindfold themselves or risk succumbing to its effects.

2) Rising Action:

            a. Introduction to the threat, the story begins with the introduction of the mysterious force that drives people to commit suicide when seen.

b. Formation of the group, Malorie seeks refuge in a house with a group of strangers who are also trying to survive. They work together to gather supplies and fortify their shelter.

c. Early encounters, the characters begin to encounter the dangers of the outside world, such as the presence of other survivors who may be untrustworthy. They face the challenge of determining who to let into the house and who to keep out.

d. Olympia's arrival. Olympia, another pregnant woman seeks shelter in the house, bringing a new dynamic to the group. Her presence raises questions about trust, as her actions and decisions impact the safety of everyone.

e. The journey down the river, Malorie and her children embark on a perilous journey down a river to find a rumored sanctuary. They face numerous dangers, including rapids, encounters with hostile survivors, and the constant threat of exposure to the force.

f. Betrayal and tragedy, the rising action includes a pivotal moment of betrayal when Gary, a seemingly trustworthy survivor, reveals himself to be a threat to the group. His actions lead to tragedy and a heightened sense of danger within the house.

g. Increasing desperation. As the story progresses, the characters face dwindling supplies, deteriorating mental health, and the increasing urgency to find safety. The tension and desperation among the group escalate as they grapple with the challenges of survival

3) Climax: The climax emphasizes the contrast between the harrowing journey and the relative safety of the sanctuary. It represents a moment of triumph and relief for Malorie and her children, who have endured numerous trials and faced the constant danger of the outside world. It also serves as a culmination of their resilience and determination to find a place of refuge.

4) Falling Action:

            a. Coping with loss and trauma, the falling action delves into their emotional journeys as they process grief, confront their fears, and seek healing.

b. Rebuilding relationships, adjustment to the community, learning and adapting, the falling action explores the development of relationships within the community. Malorie forms connections with other survivors, bonds with those who have experienced similar losses. They acquire new skills, such as navigating the environment without sight, honing their senses, and developing strategies to maintain their safety and well-being.

c. Contemplation of the future and the lingering threat, while the “School for the Blind” offers temporary safety, the falling action emphasizes that the threat of the unseen force still exists beyond the community's confines. The characters must remain vigilant and prepared for potential dangers, acknowledging that the struggle for survival is far from over.

5) Resolution: After enduring numerous trials and dangers, Malorie and her children, Boy and Girl, reach the rumored sanctuary—a hidden community known as the "School for the Blind." The community has learned to adapt to the world of darkness and has established a safe haven where survivors can live and thrive. Malorie and her children are welcomed into the community. In the School for the Blind, Malorie finds a sense of relief and stability. The community provides a support network, and Malorie begins to rebuild her life. She learns new skills, bonds with other survivors, and develops a sense of belonging. The resolution brings a momentary respite from the constant fear and uncertainty that has plagued the characters throughout the story.