When an inscription on an old Chinese box claims it can grant wishes, Clare jumps at the chance to change her life, unaware of the grisly cost. The promised blood, however, is a bit light due to the PG-13 rating. It would be easy to write this off as a flaw, but the lack of gore lets viewers focus on the deeper psychological horror at the movie’s core. Clare comes undone as her life comes together. Feelings of isolation and lowliness give way to desperation, and the contentedness brought by the granted wishes draws out a new selfishness and greed. It all meshes into the tangible happenings around Clare, the kills and scares that one expects from horror. By no means is it perfect (occasional acting hiccups, a saxophone solo, a logic leap or two, etc) but it’s a fun popcorn movie to catch with friends.
