65 follows the story of Mills (Adam Driver), a space pilot who crash-lands on a mysterious planet, only to discover it’s Earth 65 million years ago. Stranded with a young girl named Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), Mills must navigate a prehistoric landscape teeming with dangerous dinosaurs to find a way back home.

Themes

The film explores themes of survival, resilience, and the bond between strangers thrust into extraordinary circumstances. It also touches on the emotional weight of loss and the drive to protect loved ones, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

Character Development

Mills: Adam Driver delivers a solid performance as Mills, portraying a man driven by the need to survive and protect Koa. His character’s backstory, involving his ailing daughter, adds depth to his motivations.

Koa: Ariana Greenblatt shines as Koa, bringing a mix of vulnerability and strength to her role. Her relationship with Mills evolves from distrust to a surrogate father-daughter bond, providing emotional grounding for the film.

Director’s Style

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their work on “A Quiet Place,” bring a similar tension-filled atmosphere to “65.” Their direction emphasizes suspense and the primal fear of facing prehistoric predators. However, the film occasionally struggles to balance its action-packed sequences with its more poignant moments.

Performances

Adam Driver: As always, Driver’s intensity and commitment to his role elevate the material. His portrayal of Mills is both compelling and empathetic.

Ariana Greenblatt: Greenblatt’s performance is a standout, capturing the fear and determination of a young girl in a perilous situation.

Chloe Coleman: Though her screen time is limited, Coleman effectively conveys the emotional stakes through her portrayal of Mills’ daughter.

Technical Aspects

Visual Effects: The CGI dinosaurs are a mixed bag, with some sequences appearing realistic and others less convincing. The prehistoric landscape is well-rendered, creating an immersive environment.

Sound Design: The sound design enhances the tension, with the roars of dinosaurs and the ambient sounds of the jungle adding to the atmosphere.

Cinematography: The film features some stunning visuals, particularly in its wide shots of the prehistoric terrain. However, the action scenes can sometimes feel repetitive.

Strengths

• Strong performances by Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt.
• Engaging premise and high-stakes survival story.
• Effective use of sound and visuals to create tension.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent CGI quality.
• Pacing issues, with some slow and repetitive sequences.
• Underdeveloped secondary characters and subplots.

Overall Impact

65 is an ambitious sci-fi thriller that offers a unique blend of futuristic technology and prehistoric danger. While it has its flaws, the film’s strong performances and engaging premise make it worth a watch for fans of the genre.

Recommendation: 65

If you enjoy survival thrillers with a sci-fi twist and can overlook some of the film’s technical shortcomings, “65” is a movie that delivers both tension and heart. It’s not without its flaws, but the performances and unique setting make it a memorable experience.

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