Ouija: Origin of Evil

Ouija: Origin of Evil is a gripping horror thriller that hit the screens in 2016. Directed by Mike Flanagan, the impressive squad of actors that brings life to this terrifying tale includes Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, and Annalise Basso. The film unfolds in the setting of 1967 Los Angeles, immersing the audience in a chilling atmosphere of paranormal mystery and goosebumps-inducing alarm. The movie is a prequel to the 2014 film "Ouija."

The story centers around the Zander family, composed of widowed mother Alice, portrayed by Elizabeth Reaser, and her two daughters, the elder teenage Paulina (Annalise Basso) and the cute yet innocent younger daughter Doris (Lulu Wilson). Struggling to keep her life together after the death of her husband, Alice decides to add a new prop to her phony séance trade. This prop is none other than the infamous Ouija board, a tool that, unbeknownst to her, is a gateway to the paranormal world.

Upon incorporating the Ouija board in her business, Alice finds out that her sensitive younger daughter, Doris, appears to have certain inexplicable abilities. The small girl can communicate with spirits through the Ouija board and even gets to speak with her departed father, which, at first, seems like a comforting experience. However, as the family dabbles more extensively with the board, sinister occurrences begin to happen, and the family finds itself entwined in a mesmerizing yet terrifying mélange of reality and the supernatural.

The viewers watch as the enjoyable experiences of their Ouija sessions quickly turn to horror. The board does not just let them speak to any spirits; instead, it acts as a portal to an eerie dimension where malevolent entities reside. The family realizes too late that they have invited a very dark and evil force into their home.

The film delves into the terror that befalls the family as they struggle to protect themselves from the vengeful spirits that they have unknowingly conjured. Their previously peaceful life turns into increasingly hostile and dangerous territory as the evil force grows stronger every day. The family turns to a priest, played by Henry Thomas, from their daughters' Catholic school, hoping that he may be able to help them banish the malefic spirit from their lives.

Throughout the film, Lulu Wilson's portrayal of young Doris is one of the most compelling aspects, with her innocent facade hiding an increasingly sinister and disturbing disposition. Elizabeth Reaser's depiction of Alice as the loving mother who unknowingly steps into the supernatural realm with her daughters captures the sense of shock, fear, and desperation brilliantly. Annalise Basso also shines as the eldest daughter, who endures the terrifying ordeal with bravery and determination.

Director Mike Flanagan's ability to deliver unique, suspense-filled moments truly shines in this film. He masterfully incorporates classic horror movie techniques and visually appealing special effects to create an atmosphere filled with dread and suspense. Ouijia: Origin of Evil does an excellent job of setting up the narrative, effectively providing an eerie history for the board game that is the main focus in this film and its 2014 predecessor.

For those who appreciate their horrors drenched in suspense, smart storytelling, and atmospheric cinematography, Ouija: Origin of Evil will not disappoint. The film's retro settings, ghostly tone, and dramatic performances enhance the plot, delivering the shocks and frights at the right moments. This movie effectively blends elements of family drama and supernatural horror, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The nuanced performances, clever writing, and solid direction make the film a fruitful foray into horror cinema that is both terrifying and compelling. The film receives its frights not just from jump scares, but from a genuinely ominous and eerie atmosphere it has crucially built up.

In a nutshell, Ouija: Origin of Evil is an incredibly immersive and chilling horror film, a remarkable contribution to the genre that thoughtfully reveals the perilous consequences of dabbling with forces beyond human understanding. Whether you're a fan of supernatural thrillers or you simply enjoy well-constructed horror narratives, Ouija: Origin of Evil is an engrossing cinematic journey that you won't forget anytime soon.