Shelter

“We need something good. This is something good.”

2014’s ‘Shelter’ written and directed by English actor, Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, Da Vinci Code) and whom we can’t forget for his performance in the film ‘Legion’; wonderfully sprinkles the kernels of these main character’s lives’ into the recipe of self-discovery and healing. This film is a daring journey of exploring what it means to face qualms in order to truly live again.

Not to be confused with 'Gimme Shelter' (2013’s drama starring Vanessa Hudgens) whose main character was precisely looking for shelter; Bettany’s use of the word ‘Shelter’ was an adept allegory that posed as a poetic dubiety for acknowledgement and affection. He began writing the script with the intent of people being judged and romance which eventually led to vagabondage. A magnificent treasure, despite it’s non-popularity, it was a pleasure I hadn’t intended on finding.

Acting by ‘Anthony Mackie’ (Hurt Locker, Captain America, Million Dollar Baby) who is slowly becoming a household name, gave a remarkable performance and even acquired a believable Nigerian accent for his role.  Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly (Requiem for a Dream, Blood Diamond, A Beautiful Mind) who we will forever remember from her role in ‘Labyrinth’ also displayed outstanding acting chops, and she even lost significant weight for her role as a heroine addict. They both showed intense understanding and undertaking for what their characters strifes were.

Viewers easily related to the hardships they endured because of Connelly and Mackie’s work. Reaching emotional spikes was effortless due to the heap of cruel and unfortunate turns that unfolded throughout the story. It taught the audience that most times the only way we can rise up and out of situations that spiral out of control is through concord, assurance and the beauty still on hand in life itself. Sometimes our quests in life transform into extremely difficult  and unbelievable situations but this feature not only offers us hope, but also scoops us into trusting in a life of resilience even after visiting the depths of hell and painful loss.  

For Bettany’s first undertaking as a film director, I’d say he’s done a mighty fine job. After having worked with a marvelous line of directors, including Ron Howard, Darren Aronofsky, and Joss Whedon, he was fortunate enough to have some tutelage. I won’t be surprised to see more paramount projects coming from him in the future. With a run-time of 105 minutes, memorable music and first-rate acting, it’s definitely worth the watch!