Take Shelter

There's a storm a-coming folks, but in Jeff Nichols' Take Shelter is what we're witnessing real or only in the disturbed mind of Curtis (Michael Shannon)? Writer / director Nichols doesn't drop huge hints either way, but his film is a mature portrayal of mental illness and contains a superb central performance from Shannon. In the film Curtis, a seemingly happily married construction worker, begins to have nightmare visions concerning a cyclone approaching his house, along with other dreams where his wife and child are threatened by unseen forces. Before long Curtis is obsessed with building an underground shelter for them, even "borrowing" a huge digger from his work to help with the task. Think Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters and you'll get the idea. What causes Curtis to become ill Nichols doesn't tell us (though the old financial troubles are hinted at), but it's not actually relevant as the point Nichols is making is that this sickness can strike any person at any time. Oddly enough, whilst watching this film I was reminded of Black Swan, another film which also addresses mental illness. Don't be fooled into thinking that this has the same "entertaining" approach as that film though. This is quiet, slow and unspectacular in it's approach. However, it's all the more real for it. What also makes it different from other similarly themed movies is that in this one the main protagonist is aware that something is going wrong as Curtis attempts to seek help as opposed to hiding his symptoms. This culminates in a heart breaking scene when Curtis melts down in front of family and friends and it's the tour de force moment from Shannon in a film that he dominates. If the film has some negative points they come in the form of the somewhat sidelined wife (played by Jessica Chastain) and the film's final scene is perhaps a rug pull too far. However, this is an accomplished debut from the young Nichols and thoroughly recommended for the more discerning viewer.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Thought provoking stuff aided by a cracking turn from Shannon. Nichols could be one to watch. Rating: 8/10.