If it were not for my standout favourite scene in Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor’s new sci-fi thriller, The End of Oak Street, I don’t know if I’d quite regret watching the film, but I’d certainly be less enthused about it.
I enjoyed the scary moments when the central family were being hunted by dinosaurs. I also appreciated the very engaging way the story and action sequences were shot. One more highlight is the dinosaur special effects, particularly how their appearance seems to reflect the latest scientific discoveries.
My issue is that I couldn’t stop comparing director David Robert Mitchell’s film to John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place (2018). Firstly, the films have a few things in common. But for me, the latter had me far more emotionally invested. And even though I don’t recall A Quiet Place explaining the monsters that sent the central family and everyone else into survival mode, I didn’t feel short-changed. With Oak Street, however, the ending wasn’t quite as satisfying. For me, it felt too much like an ‘easy solve.’
As for the standout scene that will probably never leave me, it’s a brilliantly captured moment of dramatic irony that creates almost unbearable suspense. It’s a scene that had me with my feet off the ground, knees towards my chest, watching the action through my jacket. I’m going to refer to said scene as ‘the slithering’, which you’ll understand once you see it.
Having watched all the trailers for Oak Street, one would think I’d realise that the film is not set in the present day. Alas, I did not.
Watch The End of Oak Street if you’re curious. I may like A Quiet Place more, but Mitchell’s film still has its merits.
Happy Film Loving,
G
