WOW! This was really good. Usually, I wouldn't like stories like this, but this one was well crafted, and very well played. Very suspenseful, and sometimes down right frightening.
The story jumps right in, 89 days into a world altering event where these fearsome creatures are hunting and attacking anything that makes a sound. The script gives us no idea where the creatures came from, or how devastated the world has become. I usually hate when the how and why isn't given, but it actually added to this movie.
We first meet the Abbott family scavenging for food in a local grocery store. No words are spoken, but we see each family member has specific items they are looking for. We see Evelyn (Emily Blunt) search for medicine to aid her son Marcus (Noah Jupe) who is obviously sick. We also see Regan (Millicent Simmonds) who is deaf, young Beau (Cade Woodward), and father Lee (John Krasinski). Upon leaving, Beau grabs a rocket ship which is immediately taken, batteries removed, and the ship placed on the counter by his father. However, after the parents leave, Regan gives the ship back to Beau.
No words are spoken as the family travels away from the town. As they begin to cross the bridge a sounds rings out. It's the sirens from the space ship. Beau had grabbed the batteries and placed them in the toy. Lee, sensing the danger, runs after Beau, but doesn't make it in time. Beau is snatched and killed by one of the monsters.
Jump forward about 400 days. The family is still trying to cope with their loss. Evelyn, for some strange reason, is pregnant. But the family is well stocked with food and supplies. They have settled into a routine and have even painted the floors and stairs to show them where to step. Lee has also discovered things about these creatures. For instance, they are blind and their bodies have some kind of protective armor that can withstand a shotgun blast.
This family has worked out everything to protect themselves and the to insure the safe arrival of the new baby. But how much can you really prep for, when the enemy has the odds stacked in their favor? I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say, "there isn't anything a parent wouldn't do for their child"!
I would label this more as a Suspense film over a Horror. I love that the movie is so open. You don't really discover where the monsters come from or why they hunt humans. I also like that you don't find out who wins.
Husband and wife duo Krasinski and Blut play wonderfully off of each other. Krasinski shows a range that I didn't know he had. Bravo! Emily Blunt is always wonderful, and she doesn't let down here. I was very surprised with the children, Simmonds and Jupe. They were so believable and wonderful. They made the film what it was.
Definitely worth the watch and appropriate for anyone over the age of 12. Really a great movie.
No comments:
Post a Comment