Gravity Review

A film that has been widely praised by critics so far is Alfonso Cuaron's science fiction thriller Gravity. Many are citing its visual effects, and the direction given by Cuaron. But, should you buy into the hype? Is this really the masterpiece everyone says it is? For the most part, yes.

One thing that should be commended about the movie is its ability to build tension. And this is largely thanks to the realism Alfonso Cuaron embeds into the narrative. The physics of everything that happens, and the human elements of the film are extremely believable. This makes Gravity both absorbing and frightening. You're literally riveted to the screen throughout the film's 90 minute running time, and the concept of the whole thing happening to me or you...leaves you with a chill down your spine.

The performances in Gravity are top notch, particularly Sandra Bullock's. Her character is the one the narrative follows throughout, and there is some quality character development. We learn about her past, why she volunteered to go into space, and it helps really endears us to her. We feel her pain, and we are right up in space with her as she experiences this eerie affair. The film is obviously very serious, and the majority of the comic relief stems from George Clooney's character. His jovial, humorous, charismatic character is very much a foil to Bullock's serious, realistic one. Clooney's character was my personal favorite, while Bullock's performance was more demanding, and therefore more impressive.

The effects in the film really are as magnificent as everyone is saying. I can't describe them sufficiently to you in a review, so I'll just ask you to take my word for it when I say Gravity's visuals were truly stupefying at times, and they really helped to grip you. All of outer space looks so real in the film, you very well may forget it's not.

Conclusion

Gravity is a gripping, visually stunning sci-fi thriller, into which Alfonso Cuaron infuses an absorbing, eerie realism. Notable performances from Sandra Bullock and George Clooney bolster it as one of the best films of the year, and something to look for come awards season. 

Rating: 9.5/10 

Age suggestion: 12+