Our take
A fairly straightforward “is-he-crazy-or-is-the-world-gonna-end” thriller, taken to an entirely new level by Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain’s stunning performances – as a Midwest couple juggling family concerns with potential madness. Superbly directed by Jeff Nichols, whose ability to slowly increase the tension until it reaches full-tilt crescendo is truly impressive. An exceptional follow-up to his debut film Shotgun Stories (2008). Features one of the most anxiety-inducing, edge-of-your-seat climaxes I can recall since viewing Night of the Living Dead as an 8th grader. One hell of an experience…I needed a drink immediately afterward.
What it won
Cannes
3 wins
Spirit Awards
1 win · 4 noms
Sundance
1 nom
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
NYFCC
1 win
LAFCA
1 win · 1 nom
The story
Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself.
Elsewhere
"The movie makes you uncomfortable, but in a good way. Nichols has turned the current moment of American unease into a powerful metaphor."
— David Denby
"The supernatural horror/suburban drama mash-up doesn't always sit well, but there's no need to take shelter from the Shannon/Nichols partnership."
— Adam Woodward
Who picked it
Jamie Rutherford is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, with film reviews spanning a wide range of genres and eras. Their work on the site has covered titles from Behind the Candelabra to Last Days in Vietnam to Love is Strange.
