Buried

2010

Buried

Critics Consensus

Wringing a seemingly impossible amount of gripping drama out of its claustrophobic premise, Buried is a nerve-wracking showcase for Ryan Reynolds' talent.

86%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 155

64%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 64,022

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Movie Info

A man is caught in a desperate race against time in this claustrophobic thriller from director Rodrigo Cortés. Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) is an American truck driver who has been contracted to work in Iraq, and while delivering a load of kitchen equipment as part of a humanitarian aid program, he's captured by insurgent guerrillas who intend to hold him hostage. Paul is struck unconscious, put into a coffin-like box, and buried, and when he comes to, all he has to help him get out is a lighter and a cell phone. Trapped underground with a limited supply of air, Paul frantically calls his family, his employer, and American military and political representatives, trying to remain calm as his chances of survival slip farther away with each passing minute. Featuring the voice talent of Robert Paterson, Stephen Tobolowsky, Samantha Mathis, and Erik Palladino, with all the action taking place within the underground box, Buried received its world premiere at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Cast

Ryan Reynolds
as Paul Conroy
Ivana Miño
as Pamela Lutti
Jose Luis Garcia-Perez
as Jabir
José Luis García Pérez
as Jabir
Robert Paterson
as Dan Brenner
Stephen Tobolowsky
as Alan Davenport
Samantha Mathis
as Linda Conroy
Warner Loughlin
as Maryanne Conroy/Rebecca Browning/Donna Mitchell
Erik Palladino
as Special Agent Harris
Diane Farr
Robert Clotworthy
as CRT Spokesman
Michalla Petersen
as Nursing Home Nurse
Juan Hidalgo
as Kidnapper
Abdelilah Ben Massou
as Kidnapper
Kali Rocha
as 911 Operator
Anne Lockhart
as CRT Operator
Mary Songbird
as 411 Female Operator
Kirk Baily
as 411 Male Operator
Joe Guarneri
as Additional Voice
Heath Centazzo
as Additional Voice
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Critic Reviews for Buried

All Critics (155) | Top Critics (30)

  • Buried, despite its seemingly impossible premise, is by turns funny, suspenseful, moving and -- in one heart-stopping sequence worthy of Indiana Jones -- incredibly exciting.

    Jan 31, 2011 | Rating: 3/4

    Rene Rodriguez

    Miami Herald
    Top Critic

  • If the aim is to be unpredictable and to revel in cynicism, you run the risk -- realized here -- that the movie becomes more an authorial statement of purpose than a story the audience can believe in.

    Jan 5, 2011 | Full Review…

    Mary F. Pols

    TIME Magazine
    Top Critic

  • Whatever the reasons that draw us to the movies, spending 90 minutes trapped in a box with Ryan Reynolds isn't one of them.

    Oct 8, 2010

    Jake Coyle

    Associated Press
    Top Critic

  • Rodrigo Cortes directs and Chris Sparling wrote the screenplay. They and Reynolds should be applauded. But you wonder who on earth is going to submit themselves to a film that is set exclusively in a coffin.

    Oct 6, 2010 | Rating: 3/5

    Derek Malcolm

    London Evening Standard
    Top Critic

  • Buried is also one of the most visually inventive, deftly edited films of the year.

    Oct 5, 2010 | Full Review…

    Jim Schembri

    The Age (Australia)
    Top Critic

  • The tension keeps building, right to the end. Proving yet again that in movies, even though the space may get smaller, the picture doesn't have to.

    Oct 5, 2010 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Peter Howell

    Toronto Star
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (155)

Audience Reviews for Buried

  • Aug 13, 2014
    You know how when you're watching a film and something happens onscreen that makes you think, "hey, it wouldn't happen like that in real life ... that's bogus!" which kind''ve ruins the whole suspension of belief thing? This is not that film. With a nod to the master, Alfred Hitchcock, we are offered several opportunities wherewith the movies have trained us to expect a certain unbelievable outcome ... and then quietly denied that expectation. Its all very refreshing, in a mesmerizing, hands-around-your-throat sort of way, as a man awakens buried in a coffin and, with his air diminishing, works to escape. Ryan Reynolds does well portraying nervous anxiety. Really very good.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Apr 26, 2014
    Ryan Reynolds is one of those actors who is talented, but he needs to pick the right project for him to act. I liked his films, including Green Lantern, which I felt was underrated, Waiting and Adventureland. With Buried, he makes the finest film of his career, and he will never top it in terms of acting. The idea behind the story is simple, and it's a film that pretty much only stars Reynolds and he manages to make this film work very well. I've said it many times before, but films that use small, uncomplicated storylines are better because they leave a lot to the imagination. Buried is a terrific film, a unique thriller and one that ranks as s definite must watch. The story steadily builds and the tension unfolds throughout. This is a well crafted thriller that is sure to entertain genre fans. I really loved Reynolds' performance, and like I said is his finest to date. If you're skeptical about his work, I would recommend this film. Lately of course, Reynolds has had a string of bombs such as R.I.P.D, hopefully one day he'll make a film that stands out such as this one. Buried is a riveting piece of cinema that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first frame right up to the unforgettable climax. The direction is terrific and while keeping the story simple, it keeps you involved and entertained and ultimately guessing what will happen next. For sheer thrills, buried succeeds and it's a film that ranks among one of the finer thrillers of the last few years. Despite the fact that Ryan Reynolds stars in this, it shouldn't take away from the enjoyment of watching the film.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Mar 13, 2013
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]
    Directors C Super Reviewer
  • Jan 12, 2013
    It's been a long time since I have given a movie a perfect 5-star score. "Buried" without a doubt deserves it. As the credits rolled, I simply exhaled as I had been holding my breath for what seemed like the last 5 minutes of this very intense, nerve-wracking drama. I have often liked Reynold's performances in other films. This time around he shined as he had an excellent, original script to work with. What makes this movie brilliant is that it's all told from the inside of the coffin/box, so you're in for an hour and a half of an intense claustrophobic film experience like you've never imagined. I give this film props for its originality, great acting, script, its social commentary (on sensitivity, cruelty, government bureaucracy, terrorism) and for all the drama and the emotions. Just don't forget to breathe.
    Wildaly M Super Reviewer
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