Some viewers are criticizing 'Bird Box' for its depiction of mental health

Netflix

• "Bird Box" has set the record for most watched Netflix film in its first week of release.
• Some have criticized the film for villainizing those with mental illnesses. 
• The film has also been criticized by viewers for being triggering to those suffering from mental illness.
• Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Bird Box."

Audiences were quick to praise Netflix's latest film "Bird Box," an adaptation of Josh Malerman's 2014 novel by the same name, for its intriguing plot and suspenseful premise. Due to the buzz surrounding it, as well as many viral memes, "Bird Box" broke the record for the streaming service's most-watched film in its first week of release with 45 million watchers.

Though Malerman hasn't commented on his intent in the original book, some people, after seeing the Netflix film, have taken issue with the story, claiming that it presents a negative depiction of mental health. The criticism mostly spawns from the film's premise. In the film, monsters exist that, when looked at, will drive a person to commit suicide. The only way to avoid this is to not look at the monsters, hence why Malorie, played by Sandra Bullock, dawns a blindfold throughout the film. There seems to be one exception to the rule, however. Anyone with a mental illness who looks upon the creatures becomes actively evil and an agent in the monsters quest to destroy humanity.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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See Also:

• People can't stop talking about the Netflix horror movie 'Bird Box.' Here's what it's about.
• Viewers almost got to see the monsters in 'Bird Box' — here's what they could have looked like
• 9 ways the 'Bird Box' movie is different from the book

from Business Insider https://read.bi/2CLqRdJ