Very powerful but rough film to watch. Not the best date movie it turns out. I loved it, however, and was notably emotional several times in the movie. I went in ignorantly thinking it was going to end up being a feel-good movie without really thinking about how this type of traumatic experience would severely frame a family's functionality afterwards. I wasn't expecting that to be covered so well in the film.
The performances are stellar, especially with the leads of Brie Larson and little Jacob Tremblay who are incredible. Supporting cast is very strong too. I very much like William Macy's control-freak father character completely unable to deal with what's happened to his little girl. I could identify with him and his reactions. Would never want to be put in that situation ever.
The less you know about the movie the better. The girl I went with had no idea what was going to happen and was notably far more stressed than I was in watching the movie. I would have liked to been in her shoe's, must be harrowing.
I don't even know if this is based on a real story or not and i'm afraid to check. There's just honestly no way to accurately describe what this movie makes you go through, the experience is well worth it.
Really great and deeply moving film. It'll unsettle you completely but the highs and payoff are worth it.
Heart rating: 5 stars
Brain rating: 4.5 stars