2018 (2023):
In spite of the fanfare this sleeper hit has been receiving, I personally believe that 2018 is overrated despite feeling very high budget in terms of the cinematography and practical effects.
The first segment before the title card is played on screen promises a film that is incredibly expansive in scope and story, but the rest of the first half indulges in a few of the characters' daily lives. The issue with this half is that it is drawn out, sending you into boredom, which the effect is amplified after watching the stellar beginning.
The second half picks up as we not only see the devastating effects of the floods, but also simple yet effective character development for a handful of characters. However, this comes at the expense of other characters being underdeveloped or even almost completely forgotten.
The practical effects and cinematography were nothing short of incredible and they work together in harmony to really amplify the emotions in the latter half.
Overall, 2018 is an emotional thriller that effectively utilises and develops a handful of the characters present, at the expense of the utilisation of other characters. The film rises in emotion and really hones into its thriller aspects in the second half, yet it was too little substance too late into the film. The film would have been of higher standard with a shorter first half, and a smaller number of characters, to ensure that they are all developed effectively and receive adequate screen time.
In spite of the fanfare this sleeper hit has been receiving, I personally believe that 2018 is overrated despite feeling very high budget in terms of the cinematography and practical effects.
The first segment before the title card is played on screen promises a film that is incredibly expansive in scope and story, but the rest of the first half indulges in a few of the characters' daily lives. The issue with this half is that it is drawn out, sending you into boredom, which the effect is amplified after watching the stellar beginning.
The second half picks up as we not only see the devastating effects of the floods, but also simple yet effective character development for a handful of characters. However, this comes at the expense of other characters being underdeveloped or even almost completely forgotten.
The practical effects and cinematography were nothing short of incredible and they work together in harmony to really amplify the emotions in the latter half.
Overall, 2018 is an emotional thriller that effectively utilises and develops a handful of the characters present, at the expense of the utilisation of other characters. The film rises in emotion and really hones into its thriller aspects in the second half, yet it was too little substance too late into the film. The film would have been of higher standard with a shorter first half, and a smaller number of characters, to ensure that they are all developed effectively and receive adequate screen time.