Director and co-writer Sam Esmail is best known for his TV series Mr. Robot and his new movie offers a brilliant, yet frightening look at a major disaster from a unique POV. Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke play a New York couple who decide to rent an AirB&B on Long Island for a weekend getaway with their kids. The first night, a Black man and his daughter (Mahershala Ali & Myha’la) show up claiming it’s their house and asking for refuge from a blackout in the city. Turns out that something much more horrifying is taking place, but they’re only witnessing some of the side effects. Add to this consternation the potential racial suspicion that expands the already compelling themes. The performances are all strong, but it’s Esmail’s scenario and the continually twisting, smart revelations that make the story so gripping. We never see the full impact of the chaos, which makes the truth even more terrifying. This riveting look at the reality of survival packs a dramatic wallop, while offering sci-fi thrills and tension. 
(4.5 / 5)