Netflix’s Smash Hit ‘Bird Box’ has Strong Northern California Connections
Netflix announced that it’s new thriller film starring Sandra Bullock, Bird Box, made a record-breaking debut with over 45 million views of the movie in its first week. And for anyone who has seen the film, you know the movie takes place in Northern California, with some its iconic scenes filmed in the area.
NorCal is subtly mentioned throughout the film. During a dialogue by the two main characters, Tom, played by Trevante Rhodes, tells Malorie, played by Bullock, that he’s from Sacramento. She replies that she grew up on a horse ranch in Stockton “just down the 99.” In another scene, Jess, played by Sarah Paulson, mentions she plans to see a horse in Sausalito.
These references indicate that, well, the movie shows the “end of the world” from right inside Northern California. Although the movie is set in Northern California, much of the filming was done in Southern California.
The film’s strongest NorCal connection doesn’t come from subtle references, but rather its iconic river scenes, which were filmed on the remote Smith River in Del Norte County. The river is known for its untouched beauty and iconic salmon runs. Here is a preview of the river scenes (warning: a little graphic):
If you’re one of the 45 million people that watched Bird Box, you probably got excited to see some NorCal references. Want to see some more movies filmed in Northern California? Check out our list of The 25 Best Movies Filmed in Northern California.
