Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) is an outstanding psychological horror film directed by Mike Flanagan, serving as a prequel to Ouija (2014). However, this film surpasses its predecessor with a more refined and profound approach to exploring psychological and supernatural elements. It is not just a story about spirits and possession but delves into themes of grief, regret, and the complexities of family relationships.
Plot Summary :
Set in the 1960s Los Angeles, the story follows Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser), a widowed mother who, along with her two daughters, Lina (Annalise Basso) and Doris (Lulu Wilson), struggles to make ends meet. Alice runs a fraudulent sรฉance business, using psychological tricks to comfort clients seeking to contact deceased loved ones. However, their lives take a dark turn when Alice decides to purchase an old Ouija board from an antique shop. Initially, Alice plans to use it in her fake sรฉances, but soon, the board unlocks a dark force and opens a portal to a parallel world filled with terrifying entities.
When Doris, the youngest daughter, begins using the Ouija board to communicate with the dead, strange and dangerous occurrences begin to unfold. Doris is quickly possessed by a malevolent spirit, and her transformation becomes more disturbing with each passing day. Both Alice and Lina are bewildered and unable to understand what is happening. Doris, once a sweet and innocent girl, slowly turns into a horrifying, monstrous entity, triggering a terrifying sequence of events that none of them can escape.
Doris’s Transformation
The heart of the horror lies in Dorisโs transformation. Once an innocent and loving child, she becomes a chilling and uncontrollable force. This shift is both terrifying and heartbreaking, as Alice is forced to witness her daughter being taken over by a dark, malevolent spirit. Dorisโs disturbing behaviors intensify, and the tension rises as Alice and Lina desperately try to save her. Dorisโs possession becomes a horrifying symbol of spiritual torment, and each attempt to rescue her seems more futile as they are drawn deeper into the supernatural abyss.
Motherhood and Regret
The film explores more than just horror; it is a poignant and emotional journey of motherhood, guilt, and sacrifice. Aliceโs actions, particularly her unknowing purchase of the Ouija board, serve as a catalyst for the evil that begins to consume her family. As a mother, Aliceโs love for her daughter is put to the test, and she must battle not only the demon controlling Doris but also the guilt that haunts her. The emotional depth of the film lies in Aliceโs struggle to save her child while grappling with the painful realization that her actions inadvertently brought about this darkness.
The Connection to Ouija (2014)
One of the most significant aspects of Ouija: Origin of Evil is its connection to the original Ouija (2014). The film provides insight into the origin of the Ouija board and reveals why it is such a powerful and malevolent force. The backstory of the characters and the circumstances leading to the events of the first film are explored, adding layers of depth and understanding to the horrors that follow.
The Shocking Twist
The film concludes with a shocking twist that leaves the audience in disbelief. This twist not only explains the power of the Ouija board but also ties up the narrative in a way that enhances the understanding of the events in the original film. The ending is both satisfying and haunting, leaving viewers reflecting on the consequences of meddling with the supernatural.
Conclusion
Ouija: Origin of Evil is more than just a horror film filled with jump scares and monstrous entities; it is a deeply emotional story about motherhood, regret, and sacrifice. By blending psychological horror with supernatural elements, the film creates a chilling yet thought-provoking experience. It is a perfect example of how a horror movie can successfully combine emotional depth with terrifying supernatural elements, making it both unsettling and profoundly human at its core.