Ouija: Origin of Evil

Ouija: Origin of Evil, directed by Mike Flanagan, tries to breathe life into a tired franchise with a retro twist. While it has its moments, it also feels like a missed opportunity to truly redeem the Ouija name.

Family Business Gone Wrong

Set in 1967 Los Angeles, the film follows Alice Zander, a widowed mother who, along with her two daughters, runs a séance scam. In search of a new gimmick to draw in clients, they introduce a Ouija board into their acts. Unbeknownst to them, this decision invites a relentless spirit into their lives, particularly possessing the youngest daughter, Doris. As the family grapples with the horrifying consequences of their actions, they must confront their worst fears in an attempt to save Doris and banish the malevolent force that has taken hold of her.

Solid Performances, Some Weaknesses

Elizabeth Reaser brings a solid performance as the beleaguered mother, Alice, while Lulu Wilson shines as the innocent yet tormented Doris. Annalise Basso, playing Paulina, seems somewhat overshadowed, often not given enough development to leave an impact. Henry Thomas, as Father Tom, offers a comforting presence but is underutilized, leaving viewers wanting more. Overall, the cast delivers an adequate experience; however, certain characters feel like they were written without sufficient depth, which detracts from the story's emotional stakes.

Retro Vibes with Visual Flaws

Mike Flanagan’s direction presents a commendable homage to the horror films of the late 1960s. The vintage aesthetic is achieved through the use of dark tones, period-appropriate costumes, and a carefully crafted set design. However, the pacing suffers at times, particularly in the middle act, where drawn-out scenes dilute tension rather than build it. The use of practical effects is a highlight, but moments of CGI creep in, leading to a varying quality in visuals that can pull viewers out of the experience.

Tension Mixed with Tedium

Watching Ouija: Origin of Evil is a mixed bag of tension and tedium. While some scenes effectively build dread, others drag on unnecessarily, especially when attempting to develop the family dynamics. The film’s attempts at jump scares often feel predictable, leading to moments of frustration rather than genuine fear. That said, it does have a handful of genuine creepy moments that resonate, but they are often overshadowed by pacing issues that make the film feel longer than its 99-minute runtime.