Oculus (2014)

That was an excellent one.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

This is basically not a bad movie; it is interesting to watch, it keeps the tension, and there are some emotional scenes in it. But it suffers from major problems with logics and plot holes in a way which does not allow it to be a good movie. Shortly said, the script is so full of implausible turns, especially regarding the psychology of the characters, that the movie had no chance whatsoever to come out as a coherent and consistent story.Besides, I wonder how so many here call it a new and original story. The plot is as old as the world. A magical mirror is a motif best known from myths and fairytales. A family moving to a new home which soon becomes threatening in one or another way is an age-old story. The device of blending present and past, showing figures simultaneously as children and as grown-ups is nearly as old as the cinema itself. So what is new or original about this plot or this device?.. Neither the development oft he events nor the ending are surprising as well, they follow as expected under the given circumstances. And now to the script failures: in the first five minutes of the film, it is revealed to us that a young man has been released from a mental asylum where he has spent more than 10 years for murder. And here the problems start: This murder was out of self-defence - would a young boy ever be shut in a mental asylum for self-defence?? We are being told that he received psychological help, but his sister did not. How come that in modern days America a little girl who survived a family tragedy never received any psychological help?.. Now the story goes on with this same sister, taking her brother to the home of their parents almost immediately upon his release and confronting him with the evil mirror story. Would a loving and caring sister, which she is constantly shown like as child, upset his brother in such a brutal way just upon his release? Well, after all that has happened to them (you will see) she might not be the same loving and caring person any more. But the question still is: if you know from your own experience that the mirror is that evil , would you really risk staying tete-a-tete with it? Such problems spin further, on and on. It's a pity that today's script writers do not seem to care about credibility at all. It destroys many movies with good potential. Not to mention this film relies heavily on "Shining" but has nothing from Kubrick's masterpiece accurate, compelling plot and lead act genius.

A mirror with evil powers and two siblings who want to destroy it - Oculus is for sure not inventing the wheel new, but a good and suspenseful atmosphere, good acting and a pro production make the flick an entertaining contribution to the genre and it is far better than the average movie that hits the market under the label of horror.

Stupid of course it would kill her by her own devise why not use fire if you were going to die can't escape that .new what was going to happen when she first took the mirror in the room so predictable good acting stupid writer - director rubbish end hate films like that worst horror I've ever seen could been grate unfinished but don't make a number 2 please reviewed straight away because it pissed me off how crap it was

This is easily one of the most overlooked horror films of the decade, without a doubt. This extrasensory experience just leaves me looking on into the horizon with a perplexed look on my face. Two siblings are entrapped in a reality where illusions are created by an antique mirror with a supernatural aura. After a traumatic childhood event, the two decide to destroy the mirror for good, but it may not be as simple as that. Where to even begin!? There is far too much to digest (even after my fourth viewing). The narrative and conceptual idea are what makes this a fresh new horror. Its execution almost feels contemporary, and that's down to Mike Flanagan's directorial effort. The attention to detail is insanely meticulous, where every scene is interwoven into a complex narrative that feels like a complete story. The constant switching between past and present maintains the mystery and intrigue that a film like this requires. It showcases some terrific editing. Repeatedly flipping from present to past results in various intelligent transitions. Seemingly the two timelines feel more connected that one might anticipate. Flanagan also incorporates some mature, although infrequent, scares. Demonic figures with reflecting eyes, occasional loud noise jump scares...but that mirror! That mirror defines the word ghastly. Pure ominous antiquity. The usage of subtle gore was also a pleasant surprise. Pulling a fingernail off, eating a plate or a lightbulb and also the last scene which I shan't spoil. It's all very twisted, with plenty of turns in the plot. Unfortunately, the third act does lose its way substantially where the illusory effect has worn off. The combination of the two timelines and how they mesh becomes blurred and will leave many confused. Acting was good all round though, nothing outstanding but Karen Gillan held the whole film together which is no easy achievement. Overall, Oculus is a technically accomplished film that showcases some excellent editing.