I will say this from the outset: this movie is most effective if you have kids. Dont have kids? It may not have the same emotional resonance, as Sandra Bullock spends a decent amount of the film trying to keep these kids alive. As with most high concept horror/thrillers, there are plenty of dumb people making dumb decisions. "Everyone keep your blindfolds on, except, let me just peak one quick second at thi...and now I'm dead" This repeats itself a little too much.

The negative reviews, many of them, come from people wanting more gore, perhaps, or they cant stand not seeing the *monster at every turn. Remember, Jaws worked so well because of how little we saw of the shark.

This movie really is more about the journey than the destination. Bullock does a great job, as do most of the actors.

Camera work, sound, minimalist visual effects, all top notch. The script could've been tightened. At 2h4m, it could stand a 20m haircut.

It's a good, not great film. I wouldn't have hated it on the big screen, especially all of the northern California redwoods and river scenes. If you're looking for something tense and moody, albeit a little slow, I think Bird Box is a good Saturday night.