"Oxygen": Movie Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
The claustrophobic setting by director Alexandre Aja ("Horns", "Piranha 3D") is a step forward for the often inconsistent filmmaker. There's a looming maturity that organically flows, demonstrative of the effective science-fiction concept. But even though Aja's directorial improvements are noticeable, most of its successes hinge on a game-changing performance by Mélanie Laurent. "Oxygen" isn't nearly as thrilling as it would like to believe, however, there's just enough meat on its bones to make it a satisfying diversion.
A woman (Laurent) wakes up in a mysterious capsule, with no recollection of her identity.
Its anticlimactic script by Christie LeBlanc is quite forgivable due to much of the developed tension arising from its quality filmmaking. Although as the film bounds along, the hollow writing and absence of intelligent introspection fall remarkably flat as it nears its lazy ending. It's unfortunate as Laurent becomes somewhat hindered by its uninteresting flashbacks that do little to nothing for expanding its ambiguous storytelling. Still, this further solidifies Laurent's diverse acting ability to so ably overcome such shorthanded material.
Though it wouldn't have fit the scope that Aja has aimed for, "Oxygen" would've been better off as a short film than a full-length one. Ultimately, this production never finds its footing after its engaging introduction and besides its twists and turns, it fails to stretch out to its promise. There are thrills to be had (mostly because of Laurent), nevertheless don't expect any of its safe material to blow you away.
Comments
Post a Comment