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Ouija Movie Review
The Ouija board, a popular tool used in spiritualism, has fascinated people for over a century. It is believed that one can communicate with the dead or other supernatural beings through this board. The idea of possessing the power to speak with spirits has been exploited by filmmakers for years, and Ouija movie reviews are always eagerly awaited by horror fans.
The latest addition to the Ouija franchise is ‘Ouija: Origin of Evil,’ directed by Mike Flanagan. Set in 1967 Los Angeles, the film follows Alice Zander and her two daughters as they run a fraudulent séance business. When they add a Ouija board to their act, their youngest daughter becomes possessed by an evil spirit. The film received mixed reviews upon its release but was commended for its strong performances and effective scares. In this review, we will analyze the elements that make ‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’ stand out from other horror movies and whether it lives up to its predecessors in terms of delivering spine-chilling thrills.
The Plot Of ‘Ouija: Origin Of Evil’
Ouija: Origin of Evil is a horror film released in 2016 that explores the dark and supernatural world of Ouija. The movie takes place in Los Angeles in 1967, where a family dynamics are tested when they encounter a powerful supernatural influence.
The story revolves around Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser), a spiritual medium who runs séances with her daughters, Lina (Annalise Basso) and Doris (Lulu Wilson). When Alice decides to add a Ouija board to her act, strange things start to happen in their home as they unknowingly invite malevolent spirits into their lives. As the supernatural activity intensifies, the family must come together to confront their deepest fears and try to survive the sinister forces that have taken over their home. The movie offers an interesting take on the traditional Ouija mythology while also delving deeper into family dynamics and how they can be tested by outside forces beyond their control.
The Characters And Performances
The strength of a horror movie relies heavily on the characters and the performances that bring them to life. Unfortunately, in the case of Ouija, both aspects fall short of expectations. The characters are one-dimensional and lack any significant development throughout the film. They are merely placeholders for the ghostly occurrences that happen around them. This results in a lack of investment from the audience towards their plight.
The acting performances also leave much to be desired. While some actors do their best with what they’re given, most come across as wooden and unconvincing. It’s difficult to feel any sense of fear or empathy towards characters that are portrayed so poorly. Overall, the lack of character development and subpar acting performances make it challenging for viewers to connect emotionally with this horror flick.
The Visuals And Cinematography
The Characters and Performances section may have been lacking, but the Visuals and Cinematography of Ouija were a standout feature. The use of color, lighting, and framing were all expertly executed to create an eerie atmosphere that perfectly complemented the film’s horror theme. The color palette was predominantly dark and muted tones, which helped to establish a sense of foreboding throughout. Lighting was also used to great effect, with dimly lit scenes creating shadows that added to the unsettling ambiance.
The influence of classic horror films on the cinematography in Ouija was evident. The director skillfully utilized techniques such as Dutch angles and slow tracking shots to heighten tension and keep viewers on edge. Additionally, the use of quick cuts during intense moments added to the overall suspenseful tone of the film. The camera work also played a significant role in conveying important plot points, particularly when it came to revealing supernatural elements.
Overall, Ouija’s Visuals and Cinematography were one of its strongest features. The use of color, lighting, framing, and classic horror film influences all combined seamlessly to create a truly haunting experience for viewers.
The Soundtrack And Sound Design
Exploring Atmosphere is one of the most significant elements in horror movies, and the soundtrack and sound design play a crucial role in creating an immersive atmosphere. In the case of Ouija, the musical ambiance fits perfectly with the theme of the movie. The film’s score uses eerie music to create suspenseful moments that keep viewers on edge. The music’s pace changes throughout the movie, creating tension when necessary and providing a respite during quieter scenes. Moreover, it complements well with jump scares, making them more effective.
The sound design further enhances the movie’s eerie atmosphere. There are several scenes where sounds were used to evoke fear or uneasiness in viewers. For instance, creaking doors, footsteps, and whispers contribute significantly to creating an unsettling atmosphere. Additionally, there are several instances where silence was used effectively to create suspense – this technique makes viewers anticipate something will happen any moment now. Overall, the soundtrack and sound design successfully made Ouija a spine-chilling horror flick that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The Themes And Message
The themes and message of ‘Ouija’ movie are evident in the symbolism used throughout the film. The ouija board is a symbol of communication with the dead, but it also represents the dangers of dabbling in things beyond our understanding. The group of friends who use the board are seeking answers from their deceased friend, but they soon realize that they have opened themselves up to malevolent spirits. This symbolizes the consequences of meddling with forces we cannot comprehend.
Another prominent theme in ‘Ouija’ is morality. The actions of the characters directly impact their fates, and those who make poor choices suffer the consequences. This serves as a reminder that our decisions have consequences, and sometimes it is best to leave well enough alone. Additionally, there is a message about forgiveness and redemption towards the end of the film, showing that even in death, there may be a chance for salvation. Overall, ‘Ouija’ effectively conveys these themes through its use of symbolism and moral lessons.
The Horror Element And Scares
The horror atmosphere of Ouija is palpable throughout the film. The dark and eerie setting creates an overall sense of dread that keeps the audience on edge. The use of shadows and dim lighting further adds to the creepy ambiance, making viewers feel as though they are in the haunted house themselves. The sound design also plays a significant role in creating a chilling atmosphere with its haunting music and unnerving sound effects. The combination of these elements makes for a truly spine-tingling experience.
Jump scares are a staple in horror movies, and Ouija delivers them quite effectively. While some may argue that jump scares are cheap tactics, when done correctly, they can be incredibly effective in building tension and delivering a satisfying scare. Ouija’s jump scares are well-timed and unexpected, catching viewers off guard and eliciting genuine fear. However, there is more to this movie than just jump scares; it also has a compelling story that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. Overall, Ouija offers a strong horror atmosphere with well-executed jump scares that will keep viewers at the edge of their seats throughout the movie.
Overall Thoughts And Conclusion
The Ouija movie explores several themes such as grief, loss, and the afterlife. The main character, Laine Morris (Olivia Cooke), tries to connect with her deceased friend through the use of a ouija board, which ultimately leads to a string of horrific events. The film also touches on the dangers of playing with supernatural forces and how it can have disastrous consequences.
The audience reception for the Ouija movie has been mixed. Some viewers found it to be a thrilling horror film that kept them on the edge of their seats. Others criticized its lack of originality and jump scares that felt cliché. Despite this, the film managed to do well at the box office and even spawned a sequel which was released in 2016. Overall, while it may not be groundbreaking or revolutionary in terms of horror films, the Ouija movie still manages to deliver some scares and an interesting exploration of supernatural themes.
Conclusion
‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’ is a prequel to the 2014 horror film ‘Ouija’. The story follows a family in the 1960s who run a fake seance business but unwittingly invite a malevolent spirit into their home when they use a Ouija board. The film features strong performances from Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson and Annalise Basso, with standout moments of horror and suspense. While it may not break new ground in the horror genre, ‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’ delivers solid scares and an engaging story.
Director Mike Flanagan does an excellent job building tension throughout the film, utilizing clever camera work and sound design to deliver effective jump scares. The family dynamic adds depth to the story, with themes of grief and loss woven into the plot. Overall, ‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’ is a well-made horror film that will satisfy fans of the genre.
