Greenland – Movie Review: One Of 2020’s BEST Yet!
Written & By John Darius
Much like everyone else, I think it’s fair to say that 2020 has for the most part been one of the most challenging years to come for many of us. Not being able to communicate with loved ones or being in fear of possibly losing them due to an ongoing pandemic is terrifying to say the least. But one of the many amazing things of our modern society possesses today that we’ve all been able to benefit from one way or another in coming together, is movies themselves. Now with theaters closed and companies falling apart, streaming has become one of the biggest in-demand products in modern time, and due to that we now have access to more films and television than ever before.
During this winter break, I’ve had the great pleasure of being able to check out a film that has had many people talking this month being… Greenland! The next entry in the disaster genre that has had fans raving across the world in nonstop praise! Going as far as to what may arguably now be called “The BEST disaster film to come thus far”!
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh and written by Chris Sparling, Greenland tells the story of John Gatty who while in the middle of trying to repair his now estranged relationship with wife & son Allison & Nathan, quickly comes to odds with an entirely new danger than he could ever have anticipated. That being, a meteor shower that is said to ultimately bring about the end of all life on earth. Now at a war with time itself, Gatty goes on a mission in attempting to get his family to safety before the catastrophic end on mankind.
Right away into the first act, I can tell you immediately the emotional weight this film manages to carry from the very beginning is heavy due to the turmoil between Gatty & Allison’s relationship. But what I believe truly makes this story work so well is that it starts from a really grounded humane place of just two people dealing with regular issues that many of us can honestly relate to. The fact that this film doesn’t once take the easy path of jumping straight into the blockbuster imagery is what makes this entry feel so much more rewarding as a whole. There is a real build up to everything that just in essence is very consistent with the emotional tone that is seeped into this story more than what you may seen from past films of the same genre. Director Waugh did such an incredible job in making the chaos that erupts on screen feel at its core, both genuine and raw to reality. There was nothing about this story that ever once felt over the top fantastical or unrealistic. Everything just ultimately came down to a genuine realness that I feel allowed for many viewers such as myself, the chance of relating to the characters of both Allison and John in a way that other entries that came before just haven’t been able to achieve as well up & until now.
While it may be true that the meteors themselves were the main draw in for a larger audience, the overall thing that I believe attracted me the most was just seeing Gatty and his wife do their best in trying to keep their family together, as the world itself crumbled before their eyes. It was their love & teamwork that helped save one another in motivating each other to survive the disaster. While also attempting to keep what’s left of their very own sanity intact. Despite the many hardships they’re dealt with. Without the shadow of a doubt, Waugh nailed it completely on delivering at best, an impactful and meaningful message about the importance of what can happen when two human beings who share a common goal come together, and the overall lasting effect that can follow if aligned for the right reasons. It is truly some incredible groundbreaking work done throughout, that immediately had me left glued to the screen minute by minute.
The acting I must say was also another huge win in and of itself as well. With a wonderful cast led by two fan favorites in 300’s Gerard Butler and Deadpool’s Morena Baccarin. The chemistry between the two are nothing but outstanding! An absolutely fantastic paring, that acted as the major bread and butter to what I feel may have helped make this film stay so afloat all the way through. The emotional drive both characters share in showcasing what the love of two parents can create in just wanting to keep their child safe, is what solidifies itself as both yet the heart & soul of this story. Without giving much away, within the 2nd act, both Baccarin & Gerard go through two major gut-wrenching events that are just heart-breaking to witness. And while unsettling to watch, both actors I believe sold it completely in giving two wonderfully powerful reactions that felt anything but hollywood. From start to finish, you’re just left rooting for these characters to make it. Hoping they find some form of solace through all the trauma. Despite all the odds stacked against them. I don’t think I could have been more pleased with how much I enjoyed the acting displayed by this great cast. Nothing but strong memorable performances that just beautifully help portray the inner souls of who we are or can become as human beings given the situation or event itself.
As a whole, I’d say Greenland definitely adds up to being one of the better and most enjoyable entires to come yet of 2020. While also bringing about a much-needed change to a genre of films that was in all honesty starting to feel a lot more or less redundant at times. A great start to what I would call a new wave of filmmaking that I hope acts as service & encouragement to other future storytellers as well.
Grade A+!
DISCLAIMER:
NONE OF THE IMAGES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE OWNED BY WRITER OR WEBSITE!