GENRE:
Drama/Thriller
RATING:
R for language, drugs, some sexual content, brief blood
RUNTIME:
2 hours and 18 minutes
PLATFORM:
Netflix
STARRING:
Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich, Pretty
Woman, Gaslit)
Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Green Book); Ethan
Hawke (Training Day)
DIRECTOR:
Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot, Homecoming)
WRITER:
Esmail (Mr. Robot, Homecoming, The Resort)
PLOT:
A family renting a home takes an ominous turn when it seems like the world is
ending and two strangers appear at their door.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I liked Esmail’s Mr. Robot.
STORY STUFF: I found the story pretty captivating. I was intrigued as the plot kept me guessing as to what would happen next. If you are looking for answers or even a wrapped up conclusion, this may not be the film for you. There is a possible explanation near the end that when spelled out seems pretty terrifying. I do think the battery life on some of those electronics were quite unbelievable.
ACTING STUFF: Roberts gets to be quite prickly and harsh in this film but you root for anyway because she’s Julia Roberts. I really enjoyed Hawke as a dad just trying to do the right thing. Ali is mysterious and calm and he pulled me in. Myha’la who plays Ruth Scott goes a little overboard and didn’t grab me. Kevin Bacon has a small but memorable role.
ARTISTIC STUFF: The camera angles are trippy at times – a walk up some stairs is dizzying yet beautiful. There are also some great whip pans and Dutch angles. Amazing production design. The house is beautiful and I just found out was recreated on a set so they could get the shots and lighting they wanted. Pay close attention to the paintings. There is a Tesla sequence that I found darkly humourous and confirms that I never want to own one. Also, deers be eerie in this film. There’s just a lot of great visuals in this film.
VERDICT:
Four stars out of five
SEE IT IF:
You're fine with unanswered questions
UPCOMING REVIEW: Golden Globe predictions
No comments:
Post a Comment