Oculus, film review: Creaking plot doesn't make Mike Flanagan's horror any less chilling
(15) Mike Flanagan, 104 mins Starring: Karen Gillan, Katee Sackhoff, Brenton Thwaites
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Oculus is a slick, cleverly constructed horror film that can't quite escape its contrivances. As in one part of classic British 1945 horror film Dead of Night, the source of all evil here is a mirror.
This handsome antique has caused 45 deaths over four centuries and is now playing havoc with an all-American family, the Russells. The screenplay flits back and forth in time in lithe but confusing fashion.
Eleven years ago, when Kaylie (Karen Gillan) and Tim (Brenton Thwaites) were teenagers, the mirror caused death, destruction and spectacular family breakdown. Now, they are young adults and the only way they can exorcise the past is to look in the haunted glass again.
The director, Mike Flanagan, tries to have it both ways – to make his film both a ghoulish, supernatural shocker and a family psychodrama. The plot creaks but that doesn't make its shock tactics any the less chilling.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments