BLACK BOX: A Thriller That Lands

We are a society defined by protocols. With protocols set in place, we can ensure not only the proper functionality of systems and procedures but safety as well. For the cinema creations, any violation of defined procedures can set a whirlwind of mystery and intrigue into motion, unanswered questions swirling into hysteria and paranoia. For Yann Gozlan’s Black Box, a mysterious plane crash crafts a thriller that takes its time revealing its secrets. Cleverly constructed and well-paced, Black Box will keep you strapped in until the end.

Opening Witnesses

Black Box truly is a slow-burning thriller, much of its content dished out in bread trail increments. It keeps viewers invested throughout its entirety, never threatening to lose you along the way. Its success begins with its attention-grabbing opener, two pilots within a c*ckpit as a stewardess comes to bring breakfast. As the stewardess leaves to retrieve the rest of their meal, the camera pulls back through the haul of the plane, taking in its surroundings as it goes. From first-class to coach, each aspect of passenger interaction, audio and visual is captured, the camera finally settling into the back end of the plane on its internal black box.

As the camera turns to the black box, slowly zooming in, the audio from within the plane remains, the final moments of its crash heard only by the film’s audience. There is a duality created in this opening shot. Viewers are almost allowed the experience of being inside the plane, the camera pulling back at almost eye level within the aisles. Yet, as it settles on the black boxes and the devastating audio is heard, viewers are detached from any feeling of inclusion, becoming involuntary witnesses to a disaster. But a witness to what exactly is where the film finds its motivation.

As we leave the crash, viewers meet Matthieu (Pierre Niney) and Pollack (Olivier Rabourdin), audio analysts currently investigating the audio behind a recent helicopter crash. It is immediately apparent not only the chain of command they each fall to, but the mentor to mentee relationship they seem to share. And even while this relationship is apparent, it is just as easy to see the disagreement between them – each coming to a different reason for the crash, Pollock using his authority to rule his reasoning the most likely.

There is a feeling of distrust in Mathieu’s unique hearing abilities, as well as in his decision-making skills by Pollock, this initial feeling is confirmed moments later when the crash of Atrivan 800 calls all hands on deck and a team in the field to retrieve the plane’s black box. While Pollock usually takes Matthieu, he is left behind this time – and off the case. Yet, he is not sidelined for long, the disappearance of Pollock causing the head of the BEA audiology team to appoint Matthieu as a head investigator. While he seems to be steady in the reigns, his investigation begins to unravel before him – the reasons behind the crash of Atrivan 800 are always just out of reach.

Technical Takeoff

Black Box is carried heavily by its audio. Not in the sense of its score, which does heighten the film when utilized, but by its constant analysis of various recordings by its main character. Viewers hear what he hears and we hear it again and again with each alteration. There is almost a shared experience crafted in this utilization of the audio, creating a bordering immersive experience and giving the feeling we too are the detectives. But it is not only the repetition of audio recordings, it is also the inclusion of Mathieu’s uncanny abilities.

From the early moments of Black Box, there is the understanding that Matthieu can hear more than those around him, both in real life and in the audio he investigates. This skill does not find its uses just in the analysis but in the mystery. Where other thrillers give clues in the dialogue, visuals, and surrounding knowledge, Black Box dives into heightened Mathieu’s perfect ear, allowing it to navigate him throughout the investigation. But it also contradicts him, creating its own mystery surrounding Matthieu. At times, it contrasts his abilities, making him appear delusional and out of touch with reality, not only challenging the mystery of the film but each avenue the investigation takes him.

Bringing to life Matthieu is Pierre Niney. He brings a silent, resolute power to Matthieu, an almost borderline obsession behind a calm and rigid facade. Niney infuses Matthieu’s credibility in the dedication his character delivers to each case he is given, as well as the straightforward conclusions that dictate his work. He brings the Type A personality traits of Matthieu to life both in action, body language, and dialogue delivery – and the film is ever the better for it.

Conclusion

While evenly paced, Black Box does challenge its viewers a bit with its two-hour runtime. Some tighter editing and fewer drawn-out montages would have lent the film a chance to infuse even more tension into the intrigue it not only crafts but maintains throughout. While it is not detrimental to the film, there are moments Black Box feels the drag of its run.

Black Box as a whole will keep viewers engrossed and unsure, its unpredictability and weaving mystery an entertaining venture.

Have you seen Black Box? What did you think? Let us know the comments below!

Black Box opens in New York on Friday, April 29, 2022 and in Los Angeles on May 6, 2022!

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