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45 million people have streamed it: Netflix’s 'Bird Box' explained

Cassandra Gill
Cassandra Gill
|
Jan 3 2019, 7:50 pm
45 million people have streamed it: Netflix’s 'Bird Box' explained
Bird Box (Netflix)

Bird Box was a record breaking debut for Netflix: in just seven short days, the Sandra Bullock thriller was streamed by 45 million accounts.

And if you’re late to the party like Kim Kardashian or plain wondering what the heck is with all the memes of Sandy B in a blindfold, we’re here to break it down (spoiler alert).

Based on the 2014 post-apocalyptic novel by Josh Malerman, the plot revolves around mysterious, invisible creatures that when “seen,” compel the majority of humans to take their own lives — pretty much immediately and in the most convenient way possible (i.e. if you’re standing on a road, jump in front of a car).

Think of it vaguely like a modern day plague, sans the contagion…but worse.

And if you’re looking for much more of an explanation than that, this isn’t Stranger Things: a dossier equivalent to the demogorgans doesn’t exist. These invisible creatures make their presence known by wind and some darkness – classic horror fare – and appear to seduce people with hallucinations and voices of loved ones.

The smart folks figure out that blindfolds are the key to survival (though, a fancy sleep mask would probably do the trick and look a little chicer than a ratty piece of fabric, but I digress).

As you can probably assume from the film’s title, the birds are key, too: they can sense the creatures and warn humans of their presence.

Bird Box (Netflix)

Years after “The Problem” first begins, Malorie (Sandra Bullock) and her two children – who answer to the names “Boy” and “Girl” – are among the few survivors. The film jumps between their present day journey on a river, seeking a safe haven, and five years prior, when our protagonist is pregnant and the creatures first make their appearance.

Other notable cast members include Academy Award nominee John Malkovich, Trevante Rhodes of Moonlight fame and appearances by Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson and Bend It Like Beckham star Parminder Nagra.

The film is full of biblical references and symbolism that are bound to make you think: the concept of the blind leading the blind (or the blind leading the sighted?), a heavenly oasis where you can live blindfold-free — what a luxury! — and a river adventure that’s right up there with Moses crossing the Red Sea.

For a movie with a bunch of invisible monsters (aliens? creatures? WE DON’T EVEN KNOW), it’s a pretty terrifying concept that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat for a full two hours.

And no thriller is complete without a chilling score, and Bird Box delivers with an exceptional soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails fame.

Bird Box has also spawned more memes than The Fat Jewish (okay, not really but – there’s been a lot of them and they’re actual LOLs);

If anything, the movie has also helped inform teens of social media that Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock, 54, is much more than just “the lady from Bird Box,” but, in fact, a bonafide Hollywood legend:

We have a feeling pet birds are going to be a hot trend for 2019. Anyway, get your blindfolds ready – Bird Box is now streaming on Netflix.

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