Movie Poster

Well, when I couldn't fall back asleep this morning, I came over here. To watch the sunrise. And I saw all these people starting their day with such tenacity. Such verve. All in an effort to...... make something of themselves. Make something of our world. I felt so lucky to be a part of that. But then, I remembered... what the world is actually like. And I came to a more accurate realization. I fucking hate people.

# Review

Amanda (Julia Roberts), Clay (Ethan Hawke), and their two children Rose (Farrah Mackenzie) and Archie (Charlie Evans), are on an impromptu weekend getaway at a luxury vacation rental when things start going wrong. The situation becomes even weirder when G. H. (Mahershala Ali) and Ruth (Myha'la Herrold), two people claiming to be the owners of the rental, arrive seeking shelter.

This film started very strong with some very interesting themes and symbolism. In particular, the premise of a large-scale cyberattack is very interesting. I especially enjoyed the tension buildup with the thrilling mysteries, involving both the circumstances outside the house as well as the arrival of the strangers. Hawke’s Clay plays an excellent support for Roberts’ headstrong Amanda. Ali is one of my favourite actors and his role in this film does not disappoint. I also enjoyed the cinematography, which added much to the stressful atmosphere. The story unfortunately starts sputtering out in the middle of the film, as the film struggles to maintain my attention with its focus on inter-character drama instead of the ongoing mystery. The ending is also very lackluster and the payoff is not worth the buildup.

# Conclusion

An interesting premise but a lacking follow-through.

# Overall rating: 7.1

What does the rating mean?