It has an intriguing premise, but does it pay off?

If you’ve been on the fence regarding this latest Netflix movie, and you’re wondering if it’s worth your time, then read on dear reader, because I’ve seen it, and it’s worth discussing.

The movie stars Wagner Moura as Jason, a family man who is an unemployed engineer, and his wife Ann played by Greta Lee. They have two children Ruth and eldest child Graham. One day, with no given warning or reason, it starts to rain, and the rain has an intelligence as it binds all doors and windows, trapping everyone inside.
From here, it’s a story of a family surviving inside a confined space for a very long time, the stress and strain of dwindling resources, and an existential threat they must ultimately deal with.

Let’s be clear from the off, this is not a serious film although it desperately wants to be. There’s nothing about the premise that gives you a reason to believe in it, simply because there is no rhyme or reason behind it. You’re never given an explanation as to why this is all happening. From the standpoint of the family, you join them in this mystery but we are not the family here, we are the viewer, and should be afforded a little more of a clue as to why we are observing these events.
What this film may do, is trigger those who are still suffering from the lockdowns during the pandemic. I did ask myself, was this a little too soon after such a life changing 18 months in our recent history?!

The characters are portrayed well for the most part, and the script is ok. There’s nothing to shout about with the dialogue here. It serves it’s purpose but only just. Towards the end however, there is a part that really, really needs the A-Team theme tune attached too it. All I could hear in my head was the theme tune to MacGruber…if you know, you know!

Another issue, is that the youngest child sees one of the creatures and insists it is friendly. Yet during the last third of the film, I simply could not understand how anyone could come to that conclusion. I so wanted to believe in the innocence of youth here, but any child seeing this wee beasty walking around would be scarred for life, and the last thing your child will want to do is invite it in for a cup of tea and a cream scone!

The VFX and practical FX are quite well done, with the the main creature being a blend of practical and digital VFX. Yet throughout this film, watching this creature, I couldn’t help but watch it and think “Is this Davey Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean?” At one or two moments in the film, I seriously expected to see Jack Sparrow make an appearance. With that said, the effects are very well done, and I commend Industrial Light & Magic for their work here.

There are moments in the film where events happen, and there is no reason, or explanation for those events. It’s almost as if the writers decided to add this little scene in for dramatic sci-fi effect, but give it no context. The perfect example of this, is the scene in the image above.

However, these are all minor gripes compared to the ending which is just complete nonsense. I won’t spoil it for you, but you’ll wonder why the family does what it does after having been confined to a house for a long, long time. Let’s just say it’s jumping out of the frying pan, and into the fire!

Louis Leterrier is the director of this effort, who has some serious directing chops and has helmed some big films, such as Fast X and Now You See Me. His direction is good, but lacks any flair. I think his style is more towards the big set piece films rather than small budget films, and has openly stated this was the most difficult project of his career.

All in all, there are genuine moments of excitement that will have you on the edge of your seat. Unfortunately, there are many more moments that will have you scratching your head in frustration.

With that said, I give this film…

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Until the next review…peace!