“Oculus” (2013) is a psychological horror film that revolves around the theme of a cursed mirror and the terrifying effects it has on a family. The film, directed by Mike Flanagan, stands out for its narrative that intertwines the past and present, creating a tense and haunting atmosphere.
Kaylie and Tim Russell, two brothers, experienced a tragedy as children: their parents died under mysterious circumstances, and Tim was convicted of murdering their father. After 11 years, Tim is released from a mental hospital and reunites with Kaylie. The younger sister believes that the real cause of their family tragedy is an ancient mirror, called the Lasser Glass, that their parents owned.
Kaylie thoroughly researches the mirror and discovers that it has a long history of mysterious and horrifying deaths. She is determined to prove that the mirror is a dangerous supernatural entity. The brothers return to the old house to investigate and destroy the mirror, but they quickly realize that it has the ability to manipulate perception, causing hallucinations and making them unable to distinguish between reality and illusion.
The film weaves between past and present, shedding light on what happened to Kaylie and Tim’s parents, while also exploring how the mirror continues to manipulate and disrupt the brothers’ minds. The film ends on a dark note, with the protagonists helpless against the mirror’s demonic power.