Review of Take Shelter (2011) by Jessica T — 11 May 2012

Spellbinding. Michael Shannon gives an arresting performance (one of the most noteworthy of the year). Shannon plays small-town everyman, Curtis LaForche, who is plagued by premonitory nightmares of an apocalyptic storm.

His portrayal of internal strife, helplessness and frustration from being unable to communicate his feelings to others is deeply moving, almost ineffable in its veracity. Parallel with Curtis's psyche, director Jeff Nichols develops this calm atmosphere that slowly unravels into seething dread, creating palpable fear in its audience.

Nichols plays into duality to heighten the experience from sceptical calm to inevitable madness - from Curtis warring reason against insanity to the juxtaposition of tender, familial love and faith with the violent, impending storm that threatens to devastate their world.

The blurred lines between reality and delusion leave one questioning the entire film whether Curtis is a prophet or a man facing the early stages of schizophrenia. The film speaks to how one's fears and paranoia affect and permeate the lives of everyone around them, but also the strength of love and family to weather all storms.

Chameleon Jessica Chastain shines as Curtis's wife with her nurturing grace, patience and unwavering devotion. "Take Shelter" is transfixing from beginning to end and beyond.