The Take
Buried earns its reputation as a masterclass in minimalism. Ryan Reynolds carries the entire film alone in a wooden box, using only a lighter and phone to fight for survival after an ambush in Iraq.
Director Rodrigo Cortés builds unbearable tension through practical constraints and real-time calls, never leaning on cheap tricks or messages. The result is pure adult survival thriller that respects the audience's intelligence and time.
The Verdict
Buried strips cinema to its essentials and still delivers maximum dread. The 95-minute runtime flies by as Reynolds sells every desperate call and breath.
Watch it for the craft. Skip the endless franchise noise and stream this instead.
Common Questions
What is Buried about?
An American truck driver wakes buried alive in Iraq with only a lighter and phone to escape ransom kidnappers.
Is Buried based on a true story?
No. Chris Sparling wrote it as original fiction inspired by real contractor kidnappings but fully scripted.
Does Buried have only one actor?
Yes. Ryan Reynolds is the sole on-screen performer in the coffin throughout the 95-minute film.
