The true color of humanity emerges most when one is most
desperate. There’s numerous forms of emotion that are present in this dramatic
mystery, but that one stands out the most. These characters are desperate to
survive, and with a sound plan, a strong will, and superb directing by Trey
Edward Shults (Krisha), it appears everything will come to a
positive fruition. Besides the characters and the predicament they’re in, high
recognition should go towards the man behind the camera. For having a film set
in only a couple of locations, Shults is able to coerce you to care about every
surrounding detail as if you designed it yourself. There’s a high amount of
technical achievements through the lighting, the score, and the whole
atmosphere which may be better than the story itself. Though with films like
this, it all goes to waste if the conclusion never delivers or pays off.
Far off in the woods set in a desolate remote
location, a family of no known origin buckles down with few supplies as they
try to make it throughout each day. There’s an unknown threat lurking around
and if not careful one may meet their demise. There are rules set in place to
follow, with the most important being not to Go Outside at Night. Of course
this isn’t the life of every day society, but at the very least it’s intriguing.
Without an overabundance of bland exposition, the film is quiet, and leaves it
up to you with all its visual cues to make out what’s happening. It’s a unique
way to start the film, and gets you engaged, because you’re dying to know
what’s going on. Then with a few answers to your questions things come to
light, but you’re still not at full understanding of the full scope of the
environment.
Once you’re engaged, the film opens up more, giving
you the life of the family. There isn’t anything special about them, but you
respect every precaution they take to make sure they stay alive. Then it only raises
the question more, “What in the world is out there that makes living or going
outside so dangerous?” I like to think of this film as a more mature version of
The Walking Dead. Where there’s a virus going around killing everyone
slowly, yet without any laws that govern us human beings, making humans just as
dangerous. The only difference is the locations and the focus on one family.
And at night time things get intense for no reason. This isn’t a knock, but it pulls
you towards the end of your seat. There isn’t any artificial light used in the settings.
Whether in the daytime or night, it all felt natural. At night, the only
lighting or perspective you see is the light from the flashlight of the
character. This makes the setting feel real and dangerous, and you the audience
member are just on edge as the characters in the film. The soundtrack in the
background hypes it up even more, with an eerie sound with bass making the
entire situation more horrifying.
Though after a while you’re wondering where the film
is going. You can’t help to think how will this all conclude. What’s
frustrating is the inconsistency that starts to take place. Once tension starts
to rise up with the thought of a big bang coming around the corner it’s a false
alarm that teases you. Then it is only replaced with a dream sequence from one
character in particular that’s never fully explained. It can be interpreted as
some form of metaphor or a look into the future, but once the film ends, and
you look back there was no real significance to it. I think it’s safe to say
that most movie goers would prefer a film that starts out terrible, but ends on
a good note, opposed to the opposite. Unfortunately for this film, it takes on
the latter. While the film wasn’t mind blowing to the roof, it was enough to
get you going if the ending paid the price. The ending was inevitable, and the
choice to go there was bold, but the steps the film took were completely unnecessary.
There are many ways to the top of the mountain, and towards the conclusion the
writer Shults decided to take the most difficult path to get there and didn’t
welcome you once you arrived. Overall, it’s a decent film that leaves you
hanging, lead on, and wanting more.
6.5/10
Read more reviews by Brandon Keith Avery at Just My Opinion.net.