Two plus decades after “Armageddon” and “Deep Impact” dropped, the disaster film genre is making a comeback. Directed by Ric Roman Waugh and staring Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin, “Greenland” is a highly intense thriller. It’s ironic that the movie itself became a victim of the Covid-19 pandemic; with its December 2020 release coming after a string of setbacks and delays.
A comet called “Clarke” has the entire world is fixated on its journey and supposed nonthreatening pass of Earth. The realistic nature of the plot is what makes “Greenland” so intense. One can actually envision a scenario in which scientists discover a comet and how it would captivate us all. This includes constant updates and a live tracker on 24-hour news channels when something goes awry and parts of the comet slip through the atmosphere. The realistic nature of humanity continues after the devastation occurs as many people become true heroes in the attempt at helping while a small amount become savages.
Gerard Butler plays John Garrity. Unlike his epic character in “300” he’s not a barbaric warrior. This time around he’s an architect working on the immense skyline of Atlanta. Garrity is a loving father and husband though we immediately see a strain of some sort with his marriage. Butler shines in the performance of a regular guy put into an extraordinary situation. We understand the dire situation everyone is in despite it being unfamiliar. Butler becomes the type of person we all think we would be if ever in this type of situation.
Morena Baccarin co-stars as Allison Garrity. As John’s wife, Baccarin does a fantastic job. The film starts with her wariness of John, and her loving nature of their young son Nathan (Roger Dale Floyd) who is inflicted with diabetes. Allison has trust issues with John which as presented in the initial interactions and fleshed out as the story moves forward. As the disaster ensues, Allison becomes a strong protector of Nathan, doing whatever it is she has to do to ensure his safety and that his medical needs are fulfilled.
The screenplay and filmmaking themselves are equally excellent. One shot early on stands out for me as epically chilling. John looks into the sky and witness a massive squadron of military aircraft crossing the state. Its an indication that the comet may be more dangerous than initially presented. Many themes run throughout with inspiration drawn from classic episodes of “The Twilight Zone” including the surname of the family. John and Allison are separated at the onset. The separation continues as they try to secure safety.
I can honestly say “Greenland” is one of the best new releases I have watched in some time. Loaded with excitement and suspense, it’s a standard disaster themed film. Overall it’s a fun watch and a film that I recommend.
