Bird Box (2018) User Reviews

A Lot of Filler, Little Substance

[TwistedContent · 6/10 · 20 December 2018]

I have to say, the most sensible reviews are those that doesn't say "10/10". It wasn't easy to rate it, I had to think long and hard about this one before I could give it a seemingly justified mark.

Sadly, "Bird Box" is nothing revolutionary in neither the horror genre & the apocalyptical movie isle. It has a great cast, a truly great performance by Sandra Bullock, real good looking, big-budget-all-over cinematography, visual FX, shooting locations, action, makeup, etc., etc. Many aspects of a masterful filmmaking are on a high enough level - my only complaint on this matter is that there wasn't enough horror in this horror movie. A few moments of gore, mayhem and suspense fits the genre, but overall I'd describe "Bird Box" as an r-rated apocalyptical adventure movie that could easily have a lot of teenagers in it's audience. I'm seeing a lot comparisons with the recent "A Quiet Place" among the reviews, yet I'd like to try and avoid comparing these two, but, to all those who compare them, I say - "A Quiet Place" was a better horror movie (emphasis on "horror").

So why only 6/10, you wonder? Let me tell you why: the plot. It is so lousy in so many ways. Note that I have not read the book, but if the story there is as unpolished as here, I will definitely never read it. "Bird Box" leaves the viewer with a lot of questions and plot points that doesn't make much sense. What are the entities? There are no origins, no explanation for how and why it struck the earth, it's shown as extremely powerful yet, for whatever reason, it can't enter any buildings etc. From the start of the movie to the end there is no development whatsoever regarding the reasons for the apocalypse and the process of it. Why are some people not killing themselves when exposed to the entities but are killing others? Well, I guess because they needed someone to kill the protagonists, when the entities couldn't.. There is never an explanation, not even a subtle hint. The entities can make you hear voices of close people, dead people, yet, 5 years into the apocalypse, it still comes as a surprise to the main charachters, what a climax, eh? In the end, after the long journey, our main character finds the place she was looking for - a school for the blind. In the middle of a rainforest. Very plausible indeed. Also, who calls their children girl and boy for 5 years, only to deliver the scene at the end where she names them after the two now dead charachters. I guess they had to wait until the father dies, otherwise there wouldn't be the sentimental reason to name the son after the father. Also, the character development is pretty predictable throughout the movie & the 2nd half gradually becomes more... generic.

It might sound like I'm thrashing the movie, but, mind you, 6/10 is a good mark & I enjoyed this movie for its high entertainment value, but the depth here is shallow & the setting is an unpolished excuse for a story of a charachter's survival which brings almost nothing new to the cinematic history. An underwhelming yet entertaining thriller that will successfully reach a big audience for its too mainstream to be called anything other than a popcorn horror.

structural flaw

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 19 May 2019]

Malorie (Sandra Bullock) harshly lays out the rules to two young kids named Boy and Girl. They are going on a difficult river trip. They have to stay quiet and can never ever take off their blindfolds. The situation begins five years earlier. People are going mad and killing themselves. Malorie is extremely pregnant and her boyfriend has left. She's at a checkup with her sister Jessica (Sarah Paulson) when she first encounters the happening. She escapes the chaos and finds shelter with various people inside a house.

This is a variation on The Happening with a touch of A Quiet Place. Here the thing about The Happening. I didn't hate it. Mark Wahlberg and the reveal almost get me to hate it but I like the concept just enough to overcome it. The mass suicide angle is good although the deaths in this one is much more kinetic and therefore much more harrowing. There are a few problem, the biggest being the structure. Basically, the flashforward structure reveals who are probably going to die. The movie should have started with Malorie laying out the rules but the audience cannot see who she's talking to. It should have played the movie chronologically after that. By revealing the final grouping, it sucks the tension right out of the movie. Along with that, there are issues with some of the characters' actions. Someone should be in the room with Greg ready to pull the plug on the monitor. He is basically performing an experiment and it needs someone else to monitor it. When the group decides to leave the grocery store, there is no reason why Douglas wouldn't want to stay. In fact, it would be easier to move the group to the store rather than the other way around. While I understand locking up Douglas, somebody is supposed to look through Gary's bag. At the very least, I would have tied up Gary and put him under questioning. When the girls start the contractions, somebody should release Douglas. They need another set of hands. Instead of braving the rapids, it would be safer to walk it, no matter how much longer it would take. Despite all these issues, I do find the concept very compelling and it pulls me into its world.

Intense and interesting throughout

[finlirarn1 · 8/10 · 19 January 2019]

I must have been the right audience for this movie. Before watching it I read several reviews and some of them critized it for being pointless and also for being a waste of two hours. But I decided to still watch it and that was great. Why? Probably because I am a father to a two year old son that I love more than anything. So I could relate to Sandra Bullocks character throughout. The decisions she took, the dedication she showed throughout was based on the love and protection for her child and loved ones. I don't want to write more than that. I thought the movie was great thoughout. Two hours felt like one hour. It was intense and interesting. Perhaps predictable as well but for this movie I didn't mind that. My curiosity was still on the highest level throughout.

One thought though is that perhaps some bad reviews comes from people watching this on a small screen. This movie is probably best viewed on a big screen with a good sound.

I don't want to write reviews for good movies because I think a good movie should be seen without any previous knowledge. But since this in my opinion is underrated and many of the negative reviews will scare viewers I felt I needed to say something.

Well that was interesting

[reddiemurf81 · 6/10 · 6 June 2020]

I liked it,,,

Although it certainly has it's flaws,, it's an enjoyable suspense/horror/thriller with a great cast.

Watch it if you're not squeamish

Too much stupidity

[itaylor-50665 · 17 December 2018]

I just could not buy the idea that people could drive a car with totally blacked out windows in a debris filled town. Or that someone could row a boat blindfolded in a rough river. Ot wander through a dense forest blindfolded, leading two tint children, also blindfolded. Just too ridiculous.

And the ending was extremely weak.

With all the hype it's actually a good movie.

[imkhalidalattar · 7/10 · 31 December 2018]

A bit over hyped but it's an ok to good movie watchable and intense at times , I would say it's a really good science fiction movie without all the stupid unbelievable imagination.

A Quiet Place Where Nobody Can See

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 23 December 2018]

"Bird Box" is a sci-fi action movie produced by Neflix and like in other films, with many overrated fake reviews in IMDb by hired users or robots promoting the flick. The storyline is the same of "A Quiet Place" as well the lack of explanation who the creatures are. The unbelievable plot, where a man is capable to drive a car with black windows using the GPS through streets full of corpses and accidents or a woman with two children rows a boat in a river and runs through a forest blindfolded is boring in many moments. Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich, who are the greatest names of this film, perform obnoxious characters. The conclusion is awful with a ridiculous sanctuary and leaves the viewers with many questions and no answers. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

Sorry, but too much left unanswered for me

[neil-476 · 6/10 · 27 December 2018]

Something arrives out of nowhere which causes people to kill themselves. A small group board themselves up in a house and try to figure out how to survive. It isn't easy.

Sandra Bullock heads a decent cast on this scifi horror which tells much of the story in flashback, by virtue of which we know that, 5 years later, Bullock and two small children are trying to escape, blindfold, in a boat. Our concern for the other survivors is therefore limited to the order in which they die.

While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with this idea - which we have seen before under various guises - your enjoyment will depend on how much you need to have spelled out. In A Silent Place, the nearest recent close relative, we did at least see the fiendish thingies. Here we don't. Nor do we understand how or why their malign influence works. And these are just the biggest of the unanswered questions. We also don't know why the bad business only works outside - can't these things get inside?

I'm sorry, I don't like things being quite so open ended. This good idea wasn't thought through at all, on the grounds that it didn't need to be. Some of the dialogue was good, but the story/script was horrible.

Some people don't mind the mystery.

[SkittlesButterface · 8/10 · 30 December 2018]

The most common complaint I'm reading from user critics here is the lack of answers at the end of the movie. However, if we're meant to be seeing everything unfold from Malorie's point of view, it makes perfect sense that we would know as little as she does. I thought the ending was lovely. Not every single film needs to give answers to every little thing.

Too many "whys" go unanswered

[michaelRokeefe · 7/10 · 24 June 2020]

This sci-fi thriller immediately drew lots of word of mouth. An apocalyptic enduring trip through the woods for a young mother (Sandra Bullock) and her two small children. It has been five years since an unseen presence has driven most of society to the point of suicide. People are being killed in many gruesome ways and it is peer to peer. The young woman, Malorie, and her children must meander through a forest and river blindfolded in order to make it to safety. This film creates tension and suspense and at times gets a bit creepy. Don't waste time trying to figure the whys and wherefores; just sit back and enjoy.

Bullock's efforts will surprise you. The cast also features Trevant Rhodes, Sarah Paulson, Rosa Salazar, John Malkovich, BD Wong, Julian Edwards and Vivien Lyra Blair.

Not Understanding All The Hype

[Marc_Action · 5/10 · 28 December 2018]

The movie was OK. Definitely better than the Happening, and that's not saying much, but the Bird Box certainly did not live up to the hype.

In a post-apocalyptic world where a supernatural entity is making people kill themselves once they see "it", Sandra Bullock's character must make it through the forest to a safe haven with two young children in tow, all while blindfolded - so she won't see "it". That's the premise and it's not too plausible. Walking through a dense forest blindfolded? Yeah, right. Hell, some people wouldn't be able to halfway walk through the woods without tripping over a log with full sight, yet we're expected to believe she can navigate blindfolded just fine with two children in tow?

Anyway, we do get to see how Bullock's character got to this point via flashbacks, and quite frankly, those are the better parts of this movie. I think the best scene in Bird Box was when the initial survivors at the house in the city ran out of food and had to make a trip to the grocery store. Without giving away any details, this sequence is one of the few bright spots in terms of originality that you will see in this film.

Besides that, we just see survivors surviving and then getting killed off and not much else. If you're looking for: who, what, why, or how? Good luck, you won't find "it" here. Otherwise, decent cinematography and acting by Sandra Bullock, John Malkovich, Trevante Rhodes, and the little girl are the only things holding this movie together. It's worth a look. 5 stars.

Pretty good

[BabyIDontCare · 8/10 · 25 December 2018]

I enjoyed this movie. It kept me from looking at my phone for two hours. What I don't understand is the griping from reviewers here that nothing was explained. Why do you need it explained? The characters don't know what the presence is, so why should we? The characters don't know why it happened, so why should we? Ignore the 5 star and under reviews and give the film a chance.

A Quiet Place is the wrong comparison...

[Lamharr · 6/10 · 22 December 2018]

This was a decent horror/ sci-fi film in it's own right, with great acting performances by all. After watching the trailer, I like most others drew immediate comparisons to A Quiet Place. After viewing the film the comparisons quickly changed to another apocalyptic movie based on a novel by Stephen King....Cell.

No Ending...

[eric-91190 · 5/10 · 24 December 2018]

I have no complaints about the acting, production or story until it just ends. Far to many Sci-fi movies ending this way these days. I've even seen directors comments on these endings saying we wanted to leave it up to your imagination.... What... i paid you to tell me a story, not tell me 3/4 of a story and then it's up to me to imagine my own ending. If i wanted to imagine my own ending i'd just imagine the entire story!

an interesting but slightly underwhelming thriller

[kingsgrl2010 · 6/10 · 17 November 2018]

A post-apocalyptic thriller in the vein of A Quiet Place. There are plenty of differences that makes this movie worth watching but has a hard time giving the viewer a surprising or new experience. As I was watching I was able to predict some things that happened, and a twist that should have been shocking ends up being the weakest part of the movie. The movie is at its best when the tension from the mysterious creatures is heightened in small places. When there are too many characters on screen you don't feel the urgency or connect with the characters that may not make it. Sandra Bullock gives another great performance and I can't wait to see Trevante Rhodes in more movies, he really left an impact on the story. Overall a nice watch on Netflix when it comes out, with some great tension, and a nice arc of Sandra Bullock's character.

just as an FYI - I did see this at the World Premiere at AFI Fest with the whole cast and director in person. so I did see it in a theatre and I am so glad I did! Definitely worth watching on Netflix too.

Bird Box

[0U · 20 February 2020]

I didn't read the book before I watched the movie and I saw lot's of people on Facebook saying they had questions after they watched the movie but those who read the book said that not everything from the book could've been included into the movie. I've started reading the book and I'm only two chapters in and can see that this is true. I loved the movie but I'm already loving the book more. So judging by those who gave this movie scathing review, I'd say they didn't read the book and if they did and still didn't get the movie, that's sad on their part. If they didn't read the book, give that a try. I bet it'll change their perspective.

Why all the hype

[ComedyFan2010 · 6/10 · 11 January 2019]

Considering how much I saw online about this movie I imagined it to be something great and ended up being disappointed. Really nothing special. Not horrible but nothing great as well. To be honest pretty forgettable.

Great casting, which was another reason why I expected so much from the movie. John Malkovich was a great part of the movie. Very grumpy and seems like a jerk and yet he seems to be always right. Well most of the time right.

Their ability to live with blindfolds on is very silly. Yeah right, they can run through the woods and shoot so well, please. And unfortunately it isn't very fast paced. The beginning was very promising, but after about 20 minutes it went down. The grocery part was also pretty good with some original ideas.

After I forget most of the movie, and trust me it won't take too long, I will read the book. I think it might be better.

The journey is good but I was looking for answers/reasons...

[carrista1 · 6/10 · 21 December 2018]

This is a movie very similar to "A Quiet Place" and I liked both movies BUT I wouldn't watch them again because they concentrate too much on the predicament of the main characters in their dystopian situation and how they manage on a day to day basis. I wanted to know what the creatures were, what their agenda was and why they were doing what they were doing. Too many movies like this these days are like eating a good Chinese take away...tastes great but even after you eat your fill you're hankering for a burger. With the rhyme there has to be a reason and this film does not have one. Full marks to the actors and the technicians.

Underwhelming

[ThomasDrufke · 6/10 · 31 December 2018]

I'm only comparing it because just about everyone online is doing the same, but remember when A Quiet Place displayed relentless tension with a PG-13 rating and made great use of its cast in a contained setting? Well Bird Box has big great ideas with an even better cast, but chooses to rarely explore those ideas and talents to its full potential. A post-apocalyptic film based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Josh Malerman, focuses on a mother and her two children who navigate the terrifying landscapes of a world where a certain 'presence' is able to manipulate your brain into killing yourself if you look in its direction outdoors. Just reading what I just typed out could either make the film sound incredibly stupid or incredibly scary. It's neither. Director Susanne Bier establishes a creepy mood and tone throughout, but never follows through with any true horror or scares. The best way I can describe it as a sporting event that has all the hype and potential but due to several different circumstances is a slightly boring and extremely underwhelming piece of entertainment.

6.0/10

A fine addition to horror collection

[Waleed-Iqbal · 8/10 · 20 December 2018]

The trailer felt a bit casual but the plot seemed really interesting. So I decided to give it try and I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID. This movie have perfect pace, character development, really good performances throughout with eerie atmosphere while still keeping the viewer guessing for details and attempting to fill some blanks which makes it all more interesting and engaging.

The finale felt a bit underwhelming and pushy. But overall, a really good watch and highly recommendable.

Who are the Creatures?

[three8s2013 · 6/10 · 21 December 2018]

What/Who are these creatures? Agents of chaos and insanity? Driven by a desire to destroy all forms of structure and plunge mankind into utter anarchy. Where did they come from? A singularity? What caused the madness? Looking into infinity? Just one look was all it took; before one word was spoken the human mind was broken.

I think the 'creatures' were black holes, singularities the size of a pin prick that were triggered by light frequencies. They would blink in and out of our realm like a firefly and once humans looked into them drove them insane. No? Well you explain them. Josh Malerman didn't explain them.

The first place i would run to is a school for the blind.

Loose ends

[demetra_lira-1 · 5/10 · 22 December 2018]

I really can't stand loose ends. So many questions unanswered. Firstly, what everyone else has noted. What were the entities? Where did they come from and what did they want? Why some people could survive without a blindfold? What really bugged me, is how did they manage to change houses, blindfolded. How did they survive? What did they eat for 5 years? Electricity and water supply? Still working? Why did they give birth at the same time? What happened to the couple that stole the car? Did they make it? Did they crash? Show something!!!! The movie did keep me watching, but once it ended, I was left with too many questions.

Anybody ever see The Happening???

[tinhorse · 9/10 · 21 December 2018]

Some people are comparing this movie to 'a quiet place' I get that since The enemy is never truly see in the movie. Also you do have to cover your eyes here, and of course the premises and a quiet place was you couldn't speak. But I was wondering if anyone ever seen 'the happenings' with Mark Wahlberg. This movie was generally the same premise, but much better executed and at a much better pace. Very enjoyable, and worth watching.

I didn't think it was that bad at all honestly

[Reckno64 · 7/10 · 8 January 2020]

I am not a horror fanatic though, so take my review with a grain of salt. I watched this with my mom last year and was intrigued by everything going on. Upon watching it again (which I haven't done) I will say there are many flaws, but for a singular viewing this movie isn't too terrible. I am comfortable giving a 7/10. A decent movie to sit back and watch everything unfold, but probably not worth more than one viewing. Just my opinion.

A 15 minute short film agonizingly stretched into full length.

[danieltaller · 3/10 · 23 December 2018]

There are some fantastic short films out there that most mainstream viewers are never exposed to. That is what this should have been.

Instead, we are treated to a 15-minute story of content, stretched with filler of melodrama, useless over the top characters, and Sandra Bullock's very tired overacting like she's rehearsing in the shower.

This would have made a great short; instead it is bloated and just plain annoying.

Oh... and the end of the film - without spoiling it - there's not much to spoil. No answers are forthcoming, only that there's a temporary at best escape. It's called being in a small holed up community that's destined to eventually collapse. Not much of a happy ending. We don't find out a damned thing about anything.

Give this a pass, unless you enjoy wasting time watching 90% filler.