The Final Wish

The Final Wish is a supernatural horror film from 2018, directed by Timothy Woodward Jr. The film features a talented and seasoned cast, consisting of stars like Lin Shaye, Michael Welch, and Melissa Bolona. Recognized throughout the horror genre, Lin Shaye's impressive career includes credits such as Insidious, while Michael Welch is widely known for his role in the Twilight saga, and Melissa Bolona has appeared in a variety of both television and film projects.

The film opens with a young man named Aaron (Michael Welch) who is making his way through law school, only to find himself struggling in the turbulence of student loans and a seemingly impossible job market. His already challenging situation further escalifies when he receives the shocking news of his father's unexpected passing. Stricken by grief, yet carrying the weight of responsibility, he returns to his hometown to provide emotional support to his traumatized mother (Lin Shaye).

As Aaron comes home and steps back into his old life, he is confronted with familiar faces and local townsfolk he had left behind. One of these is Lisa (Melissa Bolona), his childhood sweetheart who has now become a compassionate and caring local school teacher. As he uncovers instances of a life he once knew, Aaron stumbles across his father's "collection," a seemingly insignificant array of antique items. Among these, he finds a mysterious object that piques his curiosity - an ornate urn that holds more than what meets the eye.

One night, Aaron decides to investigate the unique urn further and unwittingly unleashes a sinister entity that begins to impact his life in unsettling ways. These strange occurrences seem to be rooted in the powerful object Aaron has released, as he learns the grim reality that the artefact is cursed and is now wreaking havoc not only on his life but also those he holds dear.

As the narrative unfolds, the estate lawyer reveals to Aaron that his father had been studying the object for a long time and left specific instructions about its care. With the eerie presence gradually taking over his life, Aaron finds himself delving deeper into the family history and local folklore, hunting for any clue that might help him understand the curse borne by the object and how to stop the ominous chaos it has ignited.

For those who savor supernatural horror, The Final Wish is a refreshing blend of classic haunted house thrillers, mysterious curses, and interweaved elements of suspense and psychological fear. The movie does an exceptional job showcasing the imposing terror, not through grotesque beings or jump scares, but through an omnipotent, sinister force that holds the entire narrative together.

As much as the film focuses on the supernatural aspect, it also manages to center on more grounded themes such as the strain of familial relationships and the hardship of grappling with one's past. Furthermore, it tries to explore how grief can come to define and change a person's life in an unexpected way. The production adds to the overall intensity of the story, using sublime cinematography, notable sound design, and strong performances.

Welch delivers a commendable performance as Aaron, embodying the character's desperation, fear, and vulnerability with complete conviction. Shaye, known in the horror genre as an icon, is equally impressive as the grieving mother who has thus far lived in denial about her husband's unusual fixation with the supernatural object. Bolona successfully portrays the kindheartedness and understanding Lisa, infused with her own fears and uncertainties about the strange predicaments happening around her life.

In this frightful journey, audiences will be left at the edge of their seats, accompanying Aaron as he tries to navigate the horrific curse that threatens to consume his future. The curiosity and fear instilled in the story will keep viewers gripped to the unfolding legacy of the "final wish".

The Final Wish, with its uncanny mix of supernatural suspense and tangible human drama, succeeds in creating an air of constant unease and tension, making it a movie worth watching for fans of psychological thrillers and supernatural horror.