Movie Review: Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) is a unique and successful prequel to Ouija (2014), a film that was largely panned by critics. Directed by Mike Flanagan (best known for Gerald’s Game and The Haunting of Hill House), the film elevates the potential of the Ouija board horror premise by focusing on atmosphere, character development, and a slow-burn approach to horror that builds a compelling and terrifying narrative. Flanagan’s skill as a director is evident throughout, crafting a horror film that is far superior to its predecessor while still staying within the confines of the supernatural genre.

Plot Overview:

Set in 1967, Ouija: Origin of Evil follows the Zander family, who run a seance business to help grieving people connect with their deceased loved ones. Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser), the widowed matriarch of the family, uses a variety of tricks to convince her clients that she can communicate with the dead, but her skills are more about deception than genuine supernatural ability. Alongside Alice are her two daughters: the teenage Lina (Annalise Basso) and the younger Doris (Lulu Wilson).

When Alice decides to introduce a Ouija board into her sessions, hoping to make her act seem more authentic, she unknowingly opens a door to something far more dangerous. Doris, the youngest daughter, becomes the conduit for a malevolent spirit that seeks to possess her. As Doris’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and disturbing, Alice and Lina must unravel the mystery of the spirit’s identity and stop it before it completely takes over Doris. The film explores themes of grief, family, and the dangers of dabbling with the supernatural.

Direction and Atmosphere:

One of the standout qualities of Ouija: Origin of Evil is its atmosphere, which is built through meticulous direction and attention to detail. Mike Flanagan, a director known for his psychological horror, brings a slow, creeping tension to the film that allows the scares to develop organically. Instead of relying heavily on jump scares, Flanagan crafts an eerie and oppressive atmosphere that slowly tightens around the characters.

The film is set in 1967, and Flanagan does an excellent job of capturing the period’s aesthetic. From the costumes and set design to the film’s grainy visual style, it feels like a period piece, evoking a sense of nostalgia while enhancing the sense of foreboding. The setting itself—a cramped, old house—becomes an integral part of the story, adding to the sense of isolation and entrapment the characters experience as they try to deal with the growing supernatural threat.

Flanagan’s use of sound and cinematography also plays a key role in building tension. Subtle creaks, whispers, and unsettling noises fill the background, creating a constant sense of unease. The camera work is deliberate, with lingering shots that make even mundane objects feel menacing. The pacing is perfect, with the tension slowly escalating until the film’s frightening climax, making each scare feel earned rather than forced.

Performances:

The performances in Ouija: Origin of Evil are a major strength of the film. The actors, especially the two young leads, deliver solid performances that ground the film in emotional realism, making the supernatural horror feel all the more terrifying.

• Elizabeth Reaser as Alice Zander gives a standout performance as the well-meaning but flawed matriarch who inadvertently plunges her family into danger. Reaser’s portrayal of a grieving mother, struggling to hold everything together for her daughters, adds emotional depth to the film. Her fear and confusion as things spiral out of control help humanize the character, making her reaction to the supernatural events feel genuine.
• Lulu Wilson as Doris is nothing short of phenomenal. Doris’s transformation from a sweet, innocent child into a vessel for an evil spirit is genuinely unsettling. Wilson expertly balances innocence and terror, and her performance stands out for how convincingly she shifts between the two extremes. Doris’s possession scenes are chilling and haunting, making her one of the more memorable child-possessed characters in modern horror films.
• Annalise Basso as Lina also delivers a strong performance, portraying the concerned older sister who is caught between her desire to protect Doris and her growing fear of the supernatural forces at play. Her character arc, which involves seeking to uncover the truth about Doris’s possession, adds an extra layer of suspense to the film.

The strong performances help to elevate the film, as the characters are both relatable and sympathetic. When the supernatural horrors begin to unfold, the audience is emotionally invested in the Zander family’s struggle,which makes the scares hit harder.

Horror Elements and Scares:

The horror in Ouija: Origin of Evil is effective because it doesn’t rely on cheap thrills or jump scares. Instead, the film builds dread through its atmosphere, character development, and the gradual escalation of the supernatural events. The use of the Ouija board itself is integral to the plot, with the spirits communicating through it in unsettling ways that heighten the sense of danger.

The possession of Doris is central to the horror, and it is handled with genuine terror. Doris’s behavior grows more disturbing as the spirit takes hold of her, leading to a series of tense, spine-tingling moments. The possession scenes are unnervingly effective, with the character of Doris shifting from innocent child to malevolent force in a way that’s truly creepy. Flanagan also uses visual effects sparingly, letting the film’s grounded atmosphere carry the weight of the horror rather than relying too heavily on CGI.

The film’s use of shadows, eerie sound design, and quiet moments of tension all contribute to the fear factor. There are several scenes where the terror is implied rather than shown explicitly, and these moments are often the scariest in the film. For example, one of the most unsettling scenes involves Doris’s reflection in a mirror, which subtly shifts into something more sinister, showing how Flanagan uses visual cues to make the supernatural feel more invasive.

Themes and Emotional Depth:

While Ouija: Origin of Evil is a supernatural horror film, it also explores emotional themes of grief, loss, and the consequences of meddling with the unknown. Alice’s motivations for starting the seance business—her desire to help people cope with loss—are rooted in a genuine human emotion, and this adds a layer of complexity to her character. The film also delves into the bond between sisters, with Lina trying to save her younger sister from a terrifying fate. The emotional stakes are heightened by the presence of a malevolent spirit that preys on the family’s grief, which makes the horror feel more personal and real.

The film’s thematic exploration of the dangers of dabbling with the supernatural adds an element of moral caution. The Zanders’ desire to exploit the Ouija board as a tool for personal gain leads to unintended consequences, showing how such things should not be treated lightly. This theme resonates with the audience, as it speaks to the broader dangers of trying to control forces beyond one’s understanding.

Conclusion:

Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) is a refreshing and highly effective supernatural horror film that transcends its premise. Mike Flanagan’s direction brings a level of sophistication and atmosphere to the film, turning it into a chilling and memorable experience. The solid performances, particularly from Lulu Wilson and Elizabeth Reaser, ground the horror in emotional depth, making the terror feel more impactful. The film’s slow-burn approach and focus on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than jump scares make it stand out in the crowded field of supernatural horror films.

While it still contains familiar genre elements, Ouija: Origin of Evil stands as a standout prequel, taking a seemingly simple idea—talking to spirits through a Ouija board—and turning it into a genuinely creepy and well-crafted horror film. It may not reinvent the genre, but it provides a thrilling ride for horror fans and proves that with the right direction and performances, even a familiar premise can deliver something fresh and terrifying.