Greenland (2020)

Greenland (2020)

7/10

Starring

Gerard Butler

Morena Baccarin

Roger Dale Floyd

Scott Glenn

Directed by Ric Roman Waugh

Greenland may not be racking up awards, but it’s a captivating and fantastic movie to see. It packs enough gripping events—kidnapping, attempted murder, theft, action, and tragedy—all unfolding against the backdrop of a catastrophic, end-of-the-world scenario. In fact, you could easily split some of these elements into separate movies.

One film could focus on a family struggling to survive in a cruel, crumbling world as everything familiar falls apart. Another could follow a family’s desperate journey to reach a safe haven amidst an apocalyptic event. Instead, the director masterfully blends these possibilities into one cohesive story. Over its nearly two-hour runtime, the movie keeps you so engrossed you hardly notice the time passing. It even includes moments of unexpected compassion, giving it the emotional depth and cinematic appeal that resonate particularly well during these challenging COVID times.

The story begins with the introduction of the Garrity family. We meet John (Gerard Butler), who is trying to mend his strained relationship with his wife, Allison. They also have a young son, Nathan, who is diabetic. While preparing for a party with their neighbors to watch a comet pass by, John receives an alert on his phone. It informs him that he and his family have been selected for emergency sheltering.

What was supposed to be a harmless passing comet turns out to be a world-altering event as debris begins falling to Earth. The fragments—and more to come—pose catastrophic threats to the planet. The alert on John’s phone also appears on their TV, sparking curiosity and panic among the neighbors as it becomes clear that the Garrity family has been chosen for evacuation.

From this point, the movie takes a dramatic turn. When the family arrives at the base where they’re supposed to be sheltered, a series of complications arises. Nathan’s insulin is misplaced, and John has to leave his family to retrieve it. Meanwhile, Allison and Nathan are kicked out of the shelter, and chaos erupts as the base is stormed by desperate people. Separated from his family, John finds a message Allison left on their car, which leads him to where she and Nathan might be.

What follows is a harrowing journey for both John and Allison, filled with turmoil, danger, and moments of humanity. Their struggle to reunite and survive is at the heart of this movie and makes it well worth watching. It is an enjoyable experience.