
The Box
2009, Mystery and thriller/Sci fi, 1h 53m
156 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Imaginative but often preposterous, The Box features some thrills but largely feels too piecemeal. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Norma Lewis
Arthur Lewis
Arlington Steward
Norm Cahill
Dick Burns
Walter Lewis
News & Interviews for The Box
Critic Reviews for The Box
All Critics (156) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (68) | Rotten (88)
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February 18, 2012 | Rating: C | Full Review… -
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November 24, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
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November 17, 2011 | Rating: 2/5 -
Kelly treats what is essentially a Stanford University psychology experiment with inflated somberness.
September 24, 2011 | Rating: 1.5/4 | Full Review… -
Is it an odd film? Certainly. Will it creep you out more than it engages you? Probably. Should we be rewarding folks who are willing to step out of bounds and make us think? Definitely.
May 6, 2011 | Rating: B | Full Review… -
Think twice about giving into foolish curiosity and leave The Box's button untouched.
August 14, 2010 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Box
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Nov 17, 2019Richard Kelly has been an interesting filmmaker who has sadly vanished after this film. Critically Kelly has struggled since Donnie Darko and it's a shame. He has unique storytelling style and The Box failures to wrap up the film is an example of what can go wrong with his films. Was it clashing with producers? Who knows, but something was clearly missing here. Diaz feels like a miscast and the incorrect choice for the lead, she obviously helped with the financing of this film. The film is trippy enough to warrant a viewing, there is an almost dream like style to the filmmaking. This film deserved more attention from the filmmakers, it clearly needed added depth. The large budget pushed this into the mainstream market and that is why the film underdelivered. I hope Kelly returns, but he needs to stick to the indie market. 15/11/2019Brendan N Super Reviewer
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Oct 08, 2015Normally when a film has many bad reviews I get interested since the film is likely very good or very bad. Surprisingly, The Box is only an average film. It is not reminiscent of Donnie Darko since it is not at all stylized. The Box watches like a Twilight Zone episode made into a two hour movie. If you enjoy generally creepy / weird shows and are OK with them not delivering an explanation (e.g. Lost) then you will probably enjoy The Box.Robert B Super Reviewer
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Oct 30, 2014The Box is a nebulous psychological thriller from writer/director Richard Kelly. Based on a Richard Matheson short story, a young couple is presented with an offer to receive $1 million if they push a button, but as a result someone will die. Starring Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella, the casting is pretty good. But the script is a convoluted mess. It teases out some fascinating mysteries, but they devolve into inexplicable nonsense. Still, Kelly is able to create an atmospheric mood and builds the suspense incredibly well. Yet ultimately, The Box is a poorly executed film that loses its sense of mystery by getting caught up in minutia.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Mar 09, 2012The Box is not meant to scare you at all, but its meant to creep you out with its good atmosphere and fine performances from its three leads, but the plot could confuse you and it might bore you because of the lack of scares. But once again, this is not a horror movie, its a suspense/thriller movie! I found it not great, but good, and the ending is tragic and very creepy.Angel G Super Reviewer
The Box Quotes
Martin Teague: | Sir? If you don't mind my asking...why a box? |
Martin Teague: | Sir? If you don't mind my asking... why a box? |
Arlington Steward: | I hope you aren't playing detective. I have quite a few employees. |
Norma Lewis: | You sure do ask a lot of questions. |
Walter Lewis: | And now you're avoiding them. |
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