Film Review: BIRD BOX

Sandra Bullock with a blindfold over her perfect eye makeup.

For many people, Netflix is today's go-to source for new movies. You can stay home, stop it when you want, and yell at anyone around you who's talking too much. A new Netflix product getting attention is Bird Box. Last night I watched most of it (leaving the room for the most gruesome scenes) with my husband and visiting son. A horror film of sorts, it stars Sandra Bullock, who despite all the death, mayhem, blood and gore never lacks for perfect eye makeup including shadow and mascara, and a rosy dusting of blush on her cheeks. To me this indicates a lack of seriousness on the part of the director, but then that's just my opinion.

The story is oddly compelling, wherein a mysterious force or "monster" is causing the deaths of millions of people across the globe. If you look at it you die, usually by suicide, so it's necessary to wear a blindfold when outside or indoors near an uncovered window. As an extra bit of mischief, some of the dead return as zombies bent on killing whoever is still alive. How fun!

Things start out normal until the "thing" shows up in Romania causing mass suicide, then spreads across the globe. During their escape from the hordes of crazies on the streets somewhere in California, Malorie (Bullock), a single pregnant artist, sees her sister willingly stand in front of a bus and get crushed to death. Seeking refuge, she enters a house full of strangers who quickly bond and try to survive. One of them is Douglas (John Malkovich), an obnoxious redneck who hates everyone and everyone hates him. (I even hated him, and I usually like him.)

Babies are born. Love grows. Members of the group get killed in horrendous ways. Blood seeps from battered skulls and slit throats. It was during these scenes that I chose to wash the dinner dishes, which was much more fun and certainly more wholesome. From the kitchen two rooms away I could hear my husband and son scream out in horror every so often.

In case you wondered, there really is a box of birds -- Malorie's parakeets that serve as an early warning system by flapping their wings and chirping wildly when the monster approaches. I can't say more because it's too dumb, but not as dumb as what's going on in real life right now, which is that people are taking the "Bird Box Challenge," which involves navigating through their day blindfolded like the characters in the movie, then posting their efforts on social media.

Some reviewers love this film. Watch it if you dare, but have some Zzzquil handy when you go to bed that night.