First the summary: acting was top-notch from everyone, including (especially?) the kids. Every detail in the production added to the immersion in the mysterious situation unfolding. The script was also excellent, effortlessly combining realism with both raw fear and insights into both the characters and society. Effects were generally very good, and even the animal CGI was as good as it could be (which is never entirely convincing).
The suspense was building nearly constantly, with only the gentlest of lulls. Intense moments of action were more selectively applied, briefly ratcheting up the suspense to overt terror.
Some events seemed improbable bordering on impossible for reasons of technological limitations. But IANAE, and the other aspects of the movie quickly pushed doubts into the background regardless, as I was caught up in the events unfolding.
There are sufficient answers (finally) at the end, but don't expect the characters to fully understand or explain them to the audience. What does become apparent in the last moments is that the protagonist of the movie is not who anyone would have expected it to be. Though in retrospect, plenty of hints were dropped.
I'm giving this 8 stars for now, but might revise upwards after rewatching it tomorrow to see what other clues I missed the first time around.
The suspense was building nearly constantly, with only the gentlest of lulls. Intense moments of action were more selectively applied, briefly ratcheting up the suspense to overt terror.
Some events seemed improbable bordering on impossible for reasons of technological limitations. But IANAE, and the other aspects of the movie quickly pushed doubts into the background regardless, as I was caught up in the events unfolding.
There are sufficient answers (finally) at the end, but don't expect the characters to fully understand or explain them to the audience. What does become apparent in the last moments is that the protagonist of the movie is not who anyone would have expected it to be. Though in retrospect, plenty of hints were dropped.
I'm giving this 8 stars for now, but might revise upwards after rewatching it tomorrow to see what other clues I missed the first time around.