It’s the rush and exhilaration of supernatural experiences which drive many to satisfy their morbid curiosity. For the majority of people, horror movies are a popular vehicle to calm this strange desire. Lately, however, many films in the genre have fallen victim to uninventive remakes of the same old tropes, like in the “Paranormal Activity” series.
“Ouija: Origin of Evil,” however, stands out by presenting more creative techniques. A prequel to the 2014 film, “Ouija,” this installment presents a simple narrative with frightening moments, but is hampered by unnecessary exposition.
The film takes place in the year 1965 and follows the widowed Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser), a phony spirit medium and her two children, Lina (Annalise Basso) and Doris (Lulu Wilson). Unfortunately for the family, the mother accidentally triggers paranormal events, and the family must uncover the cause of these dangerous forces.
The film’s greatest strength is its use of horror tropes inspired by classic films like “The Exorcist” and “Poltergeist.” Featuring possessions, priests and unnerving children, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” generates plenty of nostalgic fear. The movie embraces its late ’60s setting to the fullest, including details such as an older, grittier version of Universal Studios’ logo and authentic settings filled with vintage furniture.
A large portion of the film is dedicated to fleshing out each character, before culminating in a terrifying final act filled with relentless startling moments. The film stumbles a bit reaching the final act and it becomes bogged down and overstuffed with exposition. However, the movie manages to keep a pervading aura of suspense leading up to its ending, peppering tense scenes throughout to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
While it’s not a perfect horror film in any regard, this prequel to “Ouija” is still a terrifying film with its immensely creative recycled horror tropes. Releasing just in time for the Halloween season, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” is a fun, nostalgic fright fest any horror movie fan should check out.
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