It isn’t typically a horror film that critics and followers universally despise will get a prequel, however that is the case with 2014’s Ouija, which holds only a 6% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was referred to as “forgettable” by nearly all of viewers. Nonetheless, when a movie made for simply $6 million takes in over $100 million on the field workplace, it is arduous to miss the potential for extra. Produced by Michael Bay and Jason Blum, the duo enlisted the help of director Mike Flanagan to assist them concoct one thing contemporary, and the end result was Ouija: Origin of Evil, a prequel that many individuals neglect is considered one of Flanagan’s greatest films.
Hitting theaters on October 21, 2016, Ouija: Origin of Evil is a interval piece that takes place in 1967 and is as a lot a household drama as it’s a good old style possession flick. Specializing in a widowed mom who unwittingly invitations evil into her residence by including a brand new stunt to bolster her séance rip-off enterprise, she should confront unthinkable fears to save lots of her daughter from the cruel spirit that is overtaken her. It actually does not sound like something particular from the synopsis, however within the arms of Flanagan, the movie is elevated to be a lot greater than your normal horror fare. The most effective half? You do not have to sit down by means of the 2014 unique to know what is going on on, which saves viewers from losing 90 minutes of their time.
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Starring Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, Annalise Basso, and Henry Thomas (who would go on to develop into a Flanagan common), Ouija: Origin of Evil wasn’t as profitable on the field workplace as its predecessor, making $20 million lower than the unique. That was to be anticipated, although, as you could not actually depend on viewers to take an opportunity on a prequel when the primary film was a important catastrophe. Within the years since, nevertheless, it is gone on to develop into a favourite of many due to digital and streaming, and should you’ve by no means had the pleasure of seeing it, Ouija: Origin of Evil is ready to hit Tubi on August 16, 2025.
‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’ Is Superior in Each Option to the Unique
Having already directed such hits as Absentia, Hush, and Oculus earlier than Ouija: Origin of Evil got here alongside, Flanagan had established himself as a contemporary voice within the horror house with a deft hand for mixing the psychological with the supernatural. It is no surprise Bay and Blum enlisted him for his or her prequel, as he was simply one of many hottest new filmmakers round. As such, they gave him free rein to create the form of horror film he wished, which led to his movie being vastly superior to the 2014 film in each method potential.
Not solely did the interval setting of Ouija: Origin of Evil work to ascertain ambiance and rigidity, however Flanagan’s characters have been a lot greater than normal stereotypes that might scream on cue. They have been absolutely realized, three-dimensional folks that the viewers may fall in love with and root for, making the prequel really feel extra private than what got here earlier than. It gave us a glimpse into the form of director Flanagan would develop into, as he can simply be described because the Stephen King of filmmakers, that means he focuses on character first, and plot second. That is most likely why he is develop into one of many biggest adapters of King’s novels, as he can perceive the writer in contrast to anybody ever has.
Critics Cherished ‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’
Not like the primary movie, critics (and followers) had a lot greater reward for Ouija: Origin of Evil, and rightfully so. Licensed Recent on Rotten Tomatoes with an 83% score, Brian Eggert from Deep Focus Evaluate wrote that “the film ought to stand as a shining instance to studios {that a} director with imaginative and prescient and a stable script can flip a nonsensical franchise entry into one thing worthy of consideration.” Famous horror critic Heather Wixson additionally added her voice to the combination, writing:
“A sequel much better than anybody most likely may have anticipated after seeing the primary installment, Ouija: Origin of Evil is an actual deal with for horror lovers, and it is considered one of Flanagan’s most well-crafted efforts up to now.”
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It is arduous to consider that within the time since Ouija: Origin of Evil, Flanagan has solely directed three different films (Gerald’s Sport, Physician Sleep, and The Lifetime of Chuck), opting as a substitute to show nearly all of his consideration to small-screen scares like The Haunting of Hill Home, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the Home of Usher. Subsequent up for him is yet one more adaptation of King’s first novel, Carrie, which is now filming for Prime Video.
You should definitely take a look at Ouija: Origin of Evil totally free when it lands on Tubi on Aug. 16, or, should you’re a Netflix subscriber, you possibly can stream it now earlier than it departs on that very same date.
Supply: Rotten Tomatoes/Tubi