Bird Box

Blindfolded survival in a post-apocalyptic world

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About Bird Box

Released: 2018

Platform: Netflix

Rating: R

Run time: 2h 4m

Cast
Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Sarah Paulson, BD Wong, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Tom Hollander

About Bird Box

"Bird Box" is a 2018 post-apocalyptic thriller film directed by Susanne Bier, based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Josh Malerman. The movie stars Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, and Sarah Paulson. It follows a mother, Malorie (played by Bullock), who must navigate a dangerous journey with her two children, all while blindfolded, to reach safety from an unseen threat that causes people to commit suicide if they see it.

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About

The film's narrative unfolds in two timelines—five years after an unknown force decimates the world's population and the early days of the entity's arrival. Malorie, along with a group of survivors, takes refuge in a house to shield themselves from the creatures, using birds that sense the entities' presence to alert them.

Meanwhile, in flashbacks, Malorie is shown discovering she is pregnant when the mass suicides begin and seeks sanctuary with other survivors. As the story progresses, the tension escalates, culminating in a harrowing journey down a treacherous river to a rumored sanctuary, all while Malorie and the children remain blindfolded to avoid encountering the lethal force.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Netflix and received widespread attention upon its release. By making strategic use of suspense and atmosphere, director Susanne Bier effectively kept audiences on edge throughout the movie, contributing to its immense success on the streaming platform.

Actors

  • Sandra Bullock as Malorie - The protagonist who must protect her children in a world overrun by unseen threats.
  • Trevante Rhodes as Tom - A fellow survivor in Malorie's group who plays a significant role in their journey.
  • John Malkovich as Douglas - A cynical and pragmatic member of the survivor group.
  • Sarah Paulson as Jessica - Malorie's sister who helps her at the start of the apocalypse.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The creatures in the film are never shown, leaving their appearance to the viewers' imagination.
  • Many fans participated in the "Bird Box Challenge," attempting everyday tasks blindfolded, leading to safety concerns.
  • Sandra Bullock underwent extensive training with a blind coach to portray Malorie's blindfolded scenes authentically.

Quotes

  • "Do not take off your blindfold. Do not look at what's out there." - Malorie
  • "We're going on the trip now, it's going to be rough." - Tom

Music, Soundtrack

The film's score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, known for their work on acclaimed projects like "The Social Network" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." The haunting music perfectly complemented the tense and suspenseful atmosphere of "Bird Box" and added to the overall sense of dread experienced by the characters and viewers alike.