The latest addition to the Blumhouse horror archive come in the shape of ‘Oculus’. A production company that has held some of the genre’s greatest films of recent years including ‘Paranormal Activity’, ‘Sinister’ and ‘Insidious’ there’s some pressure for the latest addition to the family that was somehow let down by later entries ‘The Purge’ and ‘The Bay’. Despite a couple of bummers to the brand, Jason Blum has a knack for scooping up originality and fresh ideas that not only make great films but launches the platform for talent (see Scott Derrickson’s recent news he’ll be directing Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’ and who can forget Oren Peli).

 

Now comes Mike Flanagan’s ‘Oculus’, the story of a haunted mirror that creates more than just a reflection. When Tim (Brenton Thwaites) is released from a mental institute by his sister, Kaylie (Karen Gilian) she is determined to make him remember the truth of why he was incarcerated. Brainwashed to disbelieve the events which lead to their parent’s brutal death. Slowly, as Kaylie sets to prove the innocence of her family name, the events begin to repeat themselves and the night turns quickly into a nightmare for both siblings.

 

Rather than repeat the scarefests that are ‘Insidious’ and ‘Paranormal Activity’, ‘Oculus’ creeps under the skin to unnerve until the end. A soundtrack that keeps humming a chilling note is the perfect companion to Flanagan’s screenplay.

 

The cinematography within 'Oculus' is a visual treat which seamlessly morphs the events between both nights to great effect and the onscreen confusion unravels to a nerve shredding finale that owes a lot to the the culmination of ‘Sinister’ yet ahead of all the spiritual goings on, it is the human element that keeps ‘Oculus’ going.

 

Playing between madness and the truth, Thwaites and Gilian have a perfect role reversal that makes the final scene feel ever more undeserved yet shockingly satisfying. Perfectly cast and often the two main stars are outshon by their younger counterparts who share more than just looks with the older cast.

 

Sometimes, the biggest scares are the ones that you don’t realise are there and ‘Oculus’ manages to please even the most hardened horror fan without making them jump out their seat but tells a fantastic story that is cranked to the rim with tension and mystery.