Take Shelter (2011)

Starring: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain
Directed by: Jef Nichols

Genre: Apocalypse/Drama

 

Rating: A Must See

My Two Cents: The storm comes but not in the way you expect

Similar to: Melancholia

Summary: Curtis LaForche has apocalyptic visions which drives him to build a storm shelter in his backyard. As his dreams strengthen and cause tension within his small town, LaForche is forced to question his gut instinct or if he is truly losing his sanity.

Why It's Amazing: It puts the mere popcorn-munching blockbusters to shame. While other apocalypse movies try too hard to explore the the morality humankind would face during or after worldly disasters, Take Shelter awesomely mixes suspense and substance.

Best Bits:  Take Shelter alters our perception of this genre by creating a story about the destruction of a person's mental health. We are given a peak of LaForche's stresses which may be the reason behind his increasingly violent dreams. Always there is a quiet tension looming over whether his fears are pushing his mind to its limit or his terrifying visions is a deadly premonition.

Michael Shannon is one of the few great character actors. He is unafraid to take roles, supporting and leading, which are mentally and emotionally chilling. You may know who he is but his public image or commitment doesn't damage your ability get lost in his performances (a la Daniel Day Lewis) (A pivotal scene from Take Shelter. Watch at your own risk!) With Jessica Chastain at his side playing his wife, she is a fitting sense of calm, as well as charismatically and just as emotionally raw.

"There's a storm coming like nothing you've ever seen, and not one of you is prepared for it." - Take Shelter (2011) click to tweet