Ouija: Origin of Evil
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Ouija: Origin of Evil is a 2016 supernatural horror film directed by Mike Flanagan, serving as a prequel to the 2014 movie "Ouija". Set in 1967 Los Angeles, the story follows a widowed mother, Alice Zander, and her two daughters, Lina and Doris, who run a fraudulent seance business. When they introduce a Ouija board into their act, they unwittingly invite a malevolent entity into their home, leading to the demonic possession of the youngest daughter, Doris. The film explores themes of grief, deception, and the terrifying consequences of dabbling in the occult. The movie is known for its intense scares, disturbing imagery, and a strong emotional core, distinguishing itself as a critically better-received entry in the Ouija franchise. It features pervasive horror elements, including demonic possession, grotesque physical transformations, and visceral violence, wrapped in a period aesthetic. Due to its intense and disturbing content, it is primarily suited for a mature teenage and adult audience who can handle strong horror themes.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains intense and graphic violence, including stabbings, hangings, and severe bodily harm depicted through demonic actions. The MPAA rating includes 'sequences of violence and action' and 'some bloody images'. Characters experience painful contortions and there are unsettling visual effects of grotesque facial and body distortions.
Examples include a character being stabbed with blood visible on the blade. Another scene depicts a character falling from a staircase and hanging from a noose. During a demonic possession, Casey 'shreds the guy apart with his body eviscerated and then his jaw ripped open,' indicating graphic and brutal imagery. The possessed Doris inflicts harm, such as a school bully suffering a violent supernatural retaliation after aiming a catapult at her.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the entire narrative. The plot revolves around a family running a fake seance business, which unintentionally leads to genuine communication with malevolent spirits through an Ouija board and subsequent demonic possession. This is explicitly highlighted as a conflict for characters who also hold Christian beliefs.
Scary & Intense Content
The film is highly scary and intense, relying on disturbing imagery, sustained terror, and frequent jump scares. It features grotesque visual effects, including facial and body distortions of possessed individuals, and psychologically unsettling scenes, particularly involving a possessed child.
Anti-Christian Themes
Anti-Christian themes are significant, as the narrative directly confronts Christian beliefs through the triumph of demonic forces over characters who initially hold faith. The film depicts characters dabbling in occult practices, such as Ouija boards and seances, despite their Christian faith, leading to devastating consequences. A Catholic priest attempts to intervene, but ultimately, the demons prevail.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
This film is officially rated PG-13, but due to its pervasive and intense horror elements, graphic violence, and strong occult themes, a recommended age of 14+ is more appropriate, especially for Christian parents. The film's depiction of demonic possession and the triumph of evil warrants caution.
Good to Know
Ouija: Origin of Evil is generally considered a superior film to its predecessor, "Ouija" (2014), due to Mike Flanagan's direction, character development, and heightened scares. It deepens the mythology of the Ouija board and the house it inhabits. The film maintains a 1960s aesthetic, which contributes to its atmospheric horror.
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