I often wonder why we’re drawn to stories where groups of people, one-by-one, get picked off by monsters, accidents, or the cruel forces of nature. I’m sure most dramatic theorists would say it’s about catharsis, the feeling of spiritual release brought about by an intense emotional experience. Personally, I think most people just like to say to themselves, “Wow. Glad that wasn’t me.”
The Grey is one such survival story, but in this case the gradual thinning of the ranks is in the service of a grander purpose. This elevates the movie’s dramatic ending, but it also renders much of the middle pointless and boring.
Read the rest of my review at Oakville.com: