The Devil's Toy Box

The Devil's Toy Box is a chilling horror film from 2017 that revolves around the world of paranormal investigation with elements of psychological terror and elements of supernatural horror. Directed by Allen Kellogg, whose previous work includes the equally eerie "7 Nights of Darkness", this film delves into the darker depths of the human psyche while providing the audience with a menacing and terrifying narrative.

Allen Kellogg not only sits in the director’s chair but also stars in the movie, reinstating his affinity for the genre and his ability to deliver spellbinding performances. Joining him in the cast are Meredith Kochan and Spencer Jay Kim. Kochan, who was impressive in "The Rake", delivers a similarly sturdy performance in this film, while Kim exhibits his potential as a versatile actor, oscillating between suspense and thriller genres with ease. The movie also features Larry Niehues, an experienced actor known for his character role in "American Sniper".

The Devil's Toy Box is set to unnerve you as it takes you right into the heart of a sinister, cursed object. Drawing inspiration from the folklore surrounding the infamous Dybbuk box, the movie spins an eerie plot around a similar box. The antagonistic object of the film, The Devil's Toy Box, is named after a paranormal device that is believed to draw and trap spirits. The alleged real-life 'haunted' inspiration behind the film only serves to deepen the chill it imparts.

The story takes off when Ronald Lawson (Allen Kellogg), a professional paranormal investigator, decides to spend a night in the notoriously haunted King's Ransom Winery with his team of experts. The winery, holding a gruesome past and being a hub of eerie happenings, has witnessed a number of ghost tour groups reporting intense paranormal activities. By installing an array of cameras and using advanced spectral detection devices, the team intends to document any ghostly goings-on accurately. Presided by Lawson, featuring a psychologist and adorned with a priest, this team is seemingly prepared to face the horrors that await them.

However, the troupe's determination and courage are put to the test when they come in contact with the Devil's Toy Box. It's not long before the people around the box start experiencing bizarre and terrifying incidents. The more time they spend around the box, their sanity is increasingly pushed to the brink. Visual hallucinations, whispers, and sudden shocking apparitions become a horrifying norm. The investigators quickly realize they're dealing with something far more malevolent and powerful than they originally expected.

The film employs the found footage style which adds to the narrative's authenticity and believability. With expert camera handling, the tight shots and nerve-wracking soundtrack heighten paranoia and provide suspense at every corner, drawing the audience further into its spine-chilling plot.

Kellogg's genius as a director is evident in his ability to weave a frightful tale without relying on gratuitous horror tropes. The Devil's Toy Box is not so much about cheap scares as it is about unfolding a suspenseful narrative designed to keep you on edge. It is an exploration of the human mind's unraveling under the influence of fear and supernatural mystique and how helpless even the most rational and trained minds can turn out to be against an unseen, malevolent force.

The Devil's Toy Box is a film for horror enthusiasts who appreciate psychological twists and turns. It’ll leave you pondering on the very nature of fear and explore the terrifying concept of unknown, malevolent forces that could be lurking just out of sight.

In summation, the Devil’s Toy Box is a paragon of tension-building and storytelling. Its use of suspense instead of scares makes it a chilling addition to the horror genre. This film's strength lies in its pointed narrative, atmospheric setting, and cohesive performances by the cast, turning it into a refreshing journey down the rabbit hole of psychological terror. So if you’re a fan of captivating horror narratives steeped in lore and psychological terror, this film is not to be missed.