Buried (2010)

Buried is one of the most claustrophobic and intense thrillers ever made. Directed by Rodrigo Cortés, the movie takes place almost entirely inside a coffin, with Ryan Reynolds carrying the film single-handedly. It’s a psychological rollercoaster that tests the limits of survival, hope, and despair.

Detailed Summary

Opening: Waking in the Coffin

The film begins with Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds), an American truck driver working in Iraq, regaining consciousness in complete darkness. He realizes he’s buried alive in a wooden coffin with only a few items: a lighter, a pencil, and a cell phone.

The Phone Calls and Ransom Demand

Paul quickly discovers that his captors buried him for ransom. Using the phone, he communicates with both the kidnappers and American officials. His kidnappers demand a large sum of money, threatening that if it’s not paid, he’ll be left to suffocate underground.

The Bureaucratic Struggle

Paul desperately calls various organizations: the FBI, his employer, and even his wife. He faces bureaucratic red tape, indifference, and an unwillingness to take responsibility for his plight. His company even sends him a recorded termination message instead of offering help.

Growing Danger and Escalation

Throughout the film, his coffin begins to collapse, sand seeps in, and his phone battery drains. At one point, a snake enters the coffin, leading to an especially terrifying moment where Paul must use his lighter and whiskey to drive it away. His psychological state deteriorates as hope slips away.

The Rescue Mission

Eventually, Paul manages to get through to a U.S. contractor rescue team. They assure him they are close to finding his location. As sand continues to fill the coffin, Paul clings to this hope. He’s told to remain calm, that the rescue is imminent.

Movie Ending

The ending of Buried is devastating. Paul hears digging above him, believing the rescuers have arrived. Relief washes over him as he thinks he’s about to be saved. However, as the rescuers reach the coffin and open it, they realize it’s not his—it’s another victim’s grave.

On the phone, the rescue leader breaks the tragic news: they never found him. As sand completely engulfs Paul, he suffocates. The film closes with the sound of his final breaths and the screen fades to black. No happy ending, no last-minute miracle—just the crushing reality of hopelessness.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Buried does not include a post-credits scene. The credits roll in complete darkness, reinforcing the grim and suffocating tone of the film.

Type of Movie

Buried is a psychological thriller and survival drama. It’s also one of the most minimalist thrillers ever made, confined entirely to one coffin with a single actor on screen.

Cast

• Ryan Reynolds as Paul Conroy
• Ivana Miño (voice) as Linda Conroy
• José Luis García Pérez (voice) as Jabir (the kidnapper)
• Stephen Tobolowsky (voice) as Alan Davenport
• Robert Paterson (voice) as Dan Brenner

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Víctor Reyes, who created a haunting and suspenseful soundtrack that amplifies the tension without overshadowing the minimalistic nature of the film.

Filming Locations

The entire movie was shot in Barcelona, Spain, inside a specially constructed coffin set. Multiple coffins were built to film different shots, including ones designed to hold cameras, sand, and special lighting equipment.

Awards and Nominations

• Goya Award for Best Original Screenplay (Winner)
• Goya Award for Best Editing (Winner)
• Several nominations for Best Actor (Ryan Reynolds) and Best Director across international festivals.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Ryan Reynolds shot the film in chronological order to authentically capture Paul’s descent into panic and despair.
• He suffered from claustrophobia during filming, with shooting days lasting 16+ hours inside the coffin.
• The director Rodrigo Cortés wanted audiences to experience real confinement, so the camera never leaves the coffin.
• Reynolds admitted that filming was so emotionally and physically draining that he would sometimes “pass out” during takes.

Inspirations and References

The film was partly inspired by real-life hostage situations during the Iraq War and the concept of extreme survival films. It also takes cues from Alfred Hitchcock’s philosophy of building suspense in confined spaces.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no official alternate endings. The filmmakers stood by the bleak finale, insisting that a “happy ending” would betray the film’s integrity. Any deleted scenes were mostly trimmed dialogue, as the entire concept thrives on minimalism.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not based on a book, though its structure is reminiscent of literary survival stories and plays. Its theatrical, one-location setup makes it feel closer to stage drama than conventional cinema.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Paul discovering he’s buried alive in the opening.
• The snake attack inside the coffin.
• The chilling call from his employer terminating his contract.
• The climactic moment when Paul believes he’s about to be rescued.

Iconic Quotes

• Paul Conroy: “I’m buried in a box. I can’t breathe. I don’t know where I am.”
• Alan Davenport (HR Rep): “Your employment with CRT has been terminated effective today.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The coffin’s wood creaks often, foreshadowing its collapse.
• The phone battery percentage is meticulously tracked, building real-time tension.
• Paul’s lighter flame flickers more violently as his panic increases, reflecting his mental state.

Trivia

• The entire film was shot in just 17 days.
• Only 8 different coffin boxes were built to serve all scenes.
• Ryan Reynolds called it the “hardest role” of his career.
• The movie was banned in several Middle Eastern countries for its depiction of Iraq.

Why Watch?

If you want a movie that grips you with pure tension from start to finish, Buried delivers. It’s a masterclass in minimalist filmmaking, with Ryan Reynolds proving he’s more than just a comedic actor. This is not for the faint of heart, but if you can handle the anxiety, it’s unforgettable.

Director’s Other Movies

• Red Lights (2012)
• The Contestant (2007)
• Down a Dark Hall (2018)

Recommended Films for Fans

• 127 Hours (2010)
• Phone Booth (2002)
• The Guilty (2018)
• Locke (2013)
• Exam (2009)