Ouija (2014) Movie Review
“Ouija,” directed by Stiles White and released in 2014, is a supernatural horror film that delves into the eerie and dangerous consequences of using a Ouija board to contact the dead. Produced by Michael Bay and Jason Blum, the film capitalizes on the mystique surrounding the iconic board game. Despite a promising premise, “Ouija” received generally negative reviews for its reliance on horror clichés and lackluster execution.
Plot Summary
The film follows a group of friends who are drawn into a sinister game after the mysterious death of their friend Debbie (Shelley Hennig). Laine Morris (Olivia Cooke), Debbie’s best friend, discovers an old Ouija board in Debbie’s room and decides to use it to communicate with her, hoping to uncover the truth behind her death.
Laine, along with her boyfriend Trevor (Daren Kagasoff), sister Sarah (Ana Coto), and friends Isabelle (Bianca Santos) and Pete (Douglas Smith), begins to experience disturbing supernatural events. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they awaken a malevolent spirit that begins to haunt and terrorize them.
The group learns that the spirit they have contacted is tied to a dark and violent history involving the previous occupants of Debbie’s house. As the haunting intensifies, they must unravel the secrets of the board and find a way to stop the vengeful entity before it claims their lives.
Analysis and Review
“Ouija” taps into the familiar horror trope of a group of unsuspecting teens facing a supernatural threat. The film’s premise, centered around the infamous Ouija board, is intriguing and has the potential to deliver genuine scares. However, the execution falls short in several areas.
Olivia Cooke, as Laine Morris, gives a commendable performance, bringing a sense of determination and vulnerability to her character. Her portrayal anchors the film, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. The supporting cast, including Daren Kagasoff, Ana Coto, Bianca Santos, and Douglas Smith, deliver decent performances but are hindered by underdeveloped characters and a predictable script.
Director Stiles White creates a suitably creepy atmosphere, with effective use of lighting, shadows, and eerie sound design. The film’s visual style captures the unsettling ambiance necessary for a supernatural horror movie. However, the scares themselves are largely derivative, relying heavily on jump scares and familiar horror conventions.
The screenplay, written by Juliet Snowden and Stiles White, struggles with pacing and originality. The plot progresses in a formulaic manner, with characters making typical horror movie mistakes and the story following a predictable path. The backstory of the malevolent spirit, while intriguing, is not fully explored, leaving many questions unanswered.
Despite these shortcomings, “Ouija” has moments of tension and suspense that can engage viewers looking for a straightforward horror experience. The film’s climax, while not entirely satisfying, provides some effective scares and a resolution to the central mystery.
Legacy and Impact
“Ouija” was met with largely negative reviews from critics, who cited its reliance on horror clichés and lack of originality as major flaws. However, the film performed well at the box office, indicating a continued interest in supernatural horror themes and the allure of the Ouija board as a focal point for scares.
The film’s financial success led to a prequel, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” (2016), directed by Mike Flanagan. The prequel received significantly better reviews, praised for its deeper character development, effective scares, and overall improvement in storytelling.
Streaming Services and Availability
For those interested in watching “Ouija” (2014), the film is available on several streaming platforms in the United States. As of now, you can stream or purchase the movie on:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
“Ouija” (2014) is a supernatural horror film that explores the dark consequences of contacting the dead through a Ouija board. Directed by Stiles White and starring Olivia Cooke, the film offers a familiar horror experience with moments of tension and suspense. Despite its reliance on clichés and predictable plot, “Ouija” can provide a spooky viewing experience for fans of the genre. While it may not stand out as a horror classic, it remains an intriguing entry in the realm of supernatural thrillers.
