Buried Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man wakes up in a box, complains on the phone for 90 minutes, then dies, proving that customer service really is dead.

🍿 Buried: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Waking Up Buried Alive

Paul Conroy, a truck driver working in Iraq, awakens to find himself trapped inside a wooden coffin. He’s buried alive with only a Zippo lighter and a BlackBerry phone for company. Panic sets in as he tries to understand his situation and how he ended up in this horrific predicament.

Contacting the Outside World

Using the BlackBerry, Paul desperately tries to contact anyone who can help him. He calls 911, the FBI, and his employer, but encounters bureaucratic roadblocks and disbelief. He learns he’s been kidnapped and a ransom is being demanded for his release. His hope dwindles as the battery life of his phone diminishes and his oxygen supply dwindles.

Desperate Measures and Moral Dilemmas

The kidnappers, led by Jabir, make increasingly disturbing demands, forcing Paul to record a ransom video and later, to mutilate himself. He receives a photo of a colleague, Pamela, also held hostage. Paul is faced with impossible choices as he struggles to comply while maintaining hope of rescue.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds): An American truck driver in Iraq who wakes up buried alive and desperately tries to escape.
• Jabir (José Luis García-Pérez): The Iraqi kidnapper who demands a ransom for Paul’s release.
• Dan Brenner (Robert Paterson): The head of the Hostage Working Group who tries to assist in Paul’s rescue but ultimately fails.
• Linda Conroy (Samantha Mathis): Paul’s wife back in Michigan, who he desperately tries to contact for help.
• Pamela Lutti (Ivana Miño): Paul’s colleague who is also kidnapped and later executed by the captors.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Paul Conroy: “Is there any good news? Please, just tell me something good.” – Paul desperately asks for reassurance amid the escalating despair of his situation.
• Paul Conroy: “I don’t want to die in a box.” – Paul expresses his primal fear and desire to escape his claustrophobic prison.
• Dan Brenner: “We’re doing everything we can.” – A phrase repeated by the hostage negotiator, offering false hope and highlighting the bureaucratic indifference.
• Paul Conroy: “Tell my son… tell him I tried.” – Paul’s final, heartbreaking message, recorded as a last will and testament.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,044,143
• Worldwide Gross: $19,439,764

💥 Buried Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Buried’ messed me up. I went in expecting a suspenseful thriller, but I got so much more. Ryan Reynolds is incredible; I completely forgot I was watching an actor. The scene where he’s talking to his mom, knowing it might be the last time, actually broke my heart. It’s not a fun watch, but it’s a powerful one. I still think about it days later. Be warned, its claustrophobic.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of suspenseful thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate minimalist filmmaking”
  • “Audiences interested in films that explore themes of isolation and desperation”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Claustrophobia”
  • “Violence”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mutilation”
  • “References to terrorism and war”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A masterclass in claustrophobia, ‘Buried’ uses its limited space to maximum effect. Reynolds delivers a tour-de-force performance, conveying desperation and resilience with equal measure. The film’s exploration of bureaucracy and the human cost of war is both unsettling and thought-provoking.
• RogerEbert.com: “‘Buried’ is a bold experiment in filmmaking. The single location and limited cast create an intense, almost unbearable atmosphere. While the premise might seem gimmicky, the film delves into deeper themes of abandonment and the value of human life. A truly harrowing experience.

Audience Reactions

Ryan Reynolds’ performance was phenomenal and truly captivated viewers.: The intense claustrophobia and suspense kept people glued to the screen.

Unexpected twists and turns provided high-octane excitement.: The film’s ending left a lasting impression.

Overall Consensus: ‘Buried’ is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller lauded for its innovative premise and Ryan Reynolds’ powerful performance. It’s intense, claustrophobic, and ultimately unforgettable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ryan Reynolds has stated that he suffered from claustrophobia towards the end of filming, much like the character he is playing. This was mainly due to the fact the coffin he was in was gradually filled with more and more sand as filming went on.”
• “The film was shot in just 17 days, a very short time for such a complex and demanding project.”

🖥️ How to Watch Buried?

As of October 2024, Buried is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital retailer for current pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Buried, you might like these similar films:

• Phone Booth (2002): A man trapped in a confined space, forced to communicate via phone under life-threatening duress.
• 127 Hours (2010): A survival drama where a man is trapped by a rock in a remote location and must find a way to survive.
• The Vanishing (1988): A suspenseful film about a man’s obsessive search for his missing girlfriend, leading to a similarly bleak and disturbing climax.
• Locke (2013): Features a single character in a confined space (a car) during a crisis, relying on phone calls to resolve the situation.

🛒 Buried Related Products

• Emergency Survival Kit – 142 Pieces: This comprehensive kit contains essential tools for emergency situations, including a first-aid kit, flashlight, multi-tool, and more. The kit is a great tool to survive in the world.
• Blackberry KEY2 LE: The Blackbery Phone features a QWERTY keyboard, Android OS, and enhanced security features. Perfect for communication and productivity.
• Zippo Lighter: A classic Zippo lighter with windproof design and refillable fuel. A reliable source of light in any situation.
• Claustrophobia Board Game: A strategic board game where players navigate tight corridors and face monstrous creatures in a battle for survival. Great to experience that fear in a fun way.

🎧 Soundtrack

Buried features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In the Lap of the Mountain” – performed by Garrett Wall & The Breath-No-Breathers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How To Beat “BEING BURIED ALIVE” in Buried 2010

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were buried alive? This video analyzes the movie ‘Buried’ and offers some fascinating insights into how to survive such a terrifying experience. It’s an intriguing watch, especially if you’re a fan of the film or simply curious about survival strategies.

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