Take Shelter

simple, predictable, offensive. unless you're a white man struggling with emotions. then maybe you might enjoy this. maybe.

This is, no joke, the best psychological thriller I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen too many in that category of horror that rely too heavily on adult content or jumpscares to try and be worth something. This has almost none of that, and if those things are present, they’re not necessary to keep the flow going. What this really boils down to is a sense of dread that plays throughout the entire film, and the exploration into a psyche that could become our own. This movie was conceptualized during a very tense season in the decade: the 2008 downturn. I think Jeff Nichols released this at the perfect time, when we were still getting back on our feet from that event a few years prior. Let me be honest: this is not for everyone. There is a bit of questionable content here that may drive some viewers away. Add to that the fact that this is a slower-burning film than most, and it looks like a potential recipe for disaster. But if you’re like me and appreciate slow buildup and questioning yourself at every turn, then you will love this film. Give it one watch, and decide if you love it or hate it. If you’re interested in more this director has to offer, check out Shotgun Stories, Mud, Loving, and especially Midnight Special. I have never been disappointed by any of these. I don’t expect you will be either.

I thought this was really well done, and the subject matter was very interesting too.

Wow let me start off by saying this movie is very good until the last scene ends and the credits start rolling. That was when I realized I had been scammed out of the last two hours of my life. I was waiting to see this "storm" that Curtis constantly refers to throughout the movie, only there was one catch. The studio that made this film was too cheap to show an actual scene of a tornado or any sort of apocalyptic scenario. So the whole time I'm expecting the neighbors/coworkers to realize they screwed up and rush to Curtis' shelter to beg for his help and forgiveness. Like that one episode of the Twilight Zone but with an interesting twist, considering that Curtis is a paranoid schizophrenic. Nope. The movie ends with Curtis' wife looking off-shore towards some spooky storm clouds and nodding her head "yes" This movie could have been an absolute 5/5 if the plot didn't drag on so long. I also don't understand the purpose of his deaf daughter. She never got her implant surgery nor did her deafness play any pivotal role in the plot. I think this movie focused on the interpersonal relationships between the family instead of providing the action that one would expect from an apocalyptic film because it's an easy way to stay under budget. Why spend 100,000's of dollars for a crazy tornado scene when you can JUST MAKE ME FEEL BAD FOR A DEAF KID AND HER MENTALLY ILL DAD FOR TWO HOURS. All in all: It's whack. Don't watch it.

My new favorite director

We live in dire times. Immense forces seem to be brewing just below the surface of "normal life." In many places of the world, tectonic changes are occurring, whether religious persecution, mass migration to Europe, wars and rumors of war. Influential segments of both Christian and Muslim believers wonder if we are entering into the end times. On the secular/scientific end of the spectrum, transhumanism, space travel, climate change, and speculation of an alien disclosure event grip the imagination and fears of many. Many apocalyptic-themed films reflect the zeitgeist, the "spirit of the times". 'Take Shelter' is a different type of apocalyptic movie, exploring the question of how one man might react, and suffer, if he were somehow tuned in to an impending cataclysmic disaster of some kind. Some people think they want to be a prophet. This challenging movie warns us what the cost might be if we were granted that wish. There is a storm coming. Prepare.

Based purely on the trailer, Rotten Tomatoes Reviews, and descriptions, i bought this movie in SD (which if you do buy, buy it in SD. it just feels right that way.) I was expecting a suspense thriller that would slowly build to an either uplifting or disturbing climax. The movies does drag on, and it has moments that thrill and scare. but the majority of the movie is relatively boring, as we try to understand what exactly is going on. As is hinted in both the trailer and the movie, Michael Shannon's character MIGHT be crazy. But its never resolved. The effects of this storm, also never resolved. if the film had had another 20 minutes to show the final storm, and its effects, it may have been a 5 star movie. But the length, and the lack of a serious pay off weigh it down. If you are looking for a psycological thriller, or a suspense thriller, this is not your movie. The few scenes it does have that are disturbing are well executed, and thats why I give it the 3 star rating. Maybe if you come at this movie from a different angle it will be better.

This was one of the worst movies I ever watched. Apparently I cannot trust rotten tomatoes any more.

I cannot speak highly enough of this movie, particularly of Shannon's performance.

I usually do not write review but that movie is so slow and so boring that I had to say so. I don’t get all that good reviews since for me it’s one of the worst movie ever. I think they’ve paid people to lie and say some stuff such as “the movie of the year”.. OMG how is that possible? Please do not waste your time and money.