Synopsis:
After losing his wife and his memory in a car accident, a single father undergoes an agonizing experimental treatment that causes him to question who he really is.
The mainstream horror game has shifted over the past few years. Before the shift, the norm we were used to was gory slasher films or paranormal happenings. Psychological thrillers now reign supreme and with them usually more grounded in reality, they arguably can be more terrifying. Furthermore, when they are done well, they become instant cult classics. Black Box is a truly gripping sci-fi psychological thriller and could be one of those films. It’s overall tone and subject matter feel like a mashup of Get Out and Black Mirror, that alone should intrigue most. If not, the sci-fi aspect is something that is still haunting my brain. It’s theoretical science that’s been talked about for years but seeing it play out the way it does in this film makes one question whether or not it’s happened already. Moreover, if you love a film that keeps you guessing, has terrific performances, and keeps you talking about it after it’s over, Black Box is for you. It’s a film that you can’t talk about too much with others because you don’t want to spoil anything, but if you did, they’d immediately want to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn’t able to figure out the big moment until it was actually unfolding and it’s a satisfying payoff. All I’ll say is that there is a thin line between innovation and playing god. I enjoyed Black Box a great deal, it definitely a must watch. It’s rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
Nolan, now a single father, is suffering from amnesia after a life-altering car accident took his wife and seemingly permanently damaged him. Forgetting a talent is one thing but forgetting to pick his daughter up from school is beginning to affect their relationship. After months of struggling to remember his daily routine and some encouragement from a friend, Nolan decides to undergo an experimental treatment that is completely foreign to him. The longer the treatment goes on, the more confused he becomes about who he is and the life he’s lived. I found the pace of the film to be very pleasing. The buildup to the climax is done extremely well.
Characters & Chemistry
There are some really great performances in this film. Mamoudou Athie as Nolan delivers an intense and truly convincing performance. I never thought I could be creeped out by Phylicia Rashad but it happened. Her performance as the driven Dr. Brown is sinister and sad. Athie has great chemistry with Ava (Amanda Christine) who runs the show and is a future star.
Black Box will be available on October 6th on Prime Video. Enjoy and stay safe.
Director: Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour
Writers: Wade Allain-Marcus, Stephen Herman, Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 1h 40m
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
