Buried

Buried is a movie that shouldn't work, and if even one small thing went wrong, probably wouldn't. The movie features only one character onscreen for its entire 90 minute running time, and has him trapped in a coffin for the whole length of the movie. This sounds like a classic formula for avant-garde excess, but the movie succeeds because it traps the viewer with its protagonist, Paul Conroy (Reynolds) and allows the audience no more freedom than it gives him. The only contact with the outside world that Conroy and the viewer get are through a cell phone. This allows for a number of brilliantly nuanced voice performances as Conroy frantically tries to save himself and also lets the audience feel the heightening tension as the battery dwindles.

Buried features Ryan Reynolds in the performance of his life so far. As much as I've enjoyed Reynolds in comedies and action movies in the past, I never would have thought he'd have the range as an actor to pull off a role this serious. Surprisingly he not only manages the difficult role given to him but also adds his trademark charisma to performance. He feels appropriately desperate for a man in his position, but never falls into generic horror victim territory and even allows his character to laugh and enjoy a few lighthearted moments. Without Reynolds' charm, the movie could easily have been an hour and a half of suffering without reprieve.

For a movie spent on nothing more than phone calls and futile escape attempts, the pacing is unbelievably lively and tense as Conroy runs out of time and out of resources. The dialogue is great and never fails to feel absolutely real despite only getting to see Reynolds onscreen. By the end you'll feel like you've gotten to know certain characters despite never having seen them. Though I won't spoil the ending, I'll say that it's one of the best I've seen in any movie. It's unexpected but doesn't come off as a contrived twist, and looking back, seems like the most appropriate possible ending for the movie.

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