The Box

It’s been very long since a film made me feel so nervous and uncomfortable. The Box has a great atmosphere, a surprisingly brilliant digital retro look and a disturbing story. The direction is quite insane, but with a style that you can tell is intentional. And Frank Langella in the role of a “weird fellow” is almost the incarnation of my nightmares. (14/12/2009)

I might get ulcers from Kelly's stuff. That guy is unbelievable. His films have amazing elements. In the case of "The Box", it's the box itself and its concept, sci-fi elements, great retro style. But how does it all come together and how do you try to follow the film, you start feeling similar sensations as with "Apocalypse" or "Donnie Darko" again. There are too many themes, Kelly tries to present his ideas as crucial, but at the same time, he can't avoid cheesiness, which lacks perspective. Kelly simply doesn't work for me, and "The Box" is just another proof of that. Great ideas, but they lack consistency. The twist is good, but unfortunately, you also realize how banal it all actually is. (15/05/2014)

I can say for myself that I really enjoyed The Box, and if the director and screenwriter in-one had waited a little longer with the point and the tension had increased, my satisfaction would have been maximum. I realize that even many famous films often don't work at their core. Here, the mysterious atmosphere and omnipresent tension work very well. Actually, the only significant criticism I would have is towards Cameron Diaz's casting. Sweet Cameron, may she not be mad at me, has always been and remains just a typecast actress with limited range. In a film like The Box, the viewer's impression primarily depends on the performances, and it requires someone from among the best character actresses. I don't know, maybe Cameron Diaz was involved in the film as a co-producer, or the production demanded a famous face, but in any case, it was a mistake. Overall impression: 75%. (11/01/2015)

Kelly has stopped reveling in his own dubious genius and has come back down to earth to serve up a highly polished and inventive genre hybrid with a faded 1970s atmosphere, moral dilemmas, and a demonic Frank Langella. He doesn't bother with long explanations, he simply reminds us of Kubrick and aims straight for the goal. The ending was excellent. (22/12/2009)

The Box offers an interesting premise and a unique, intoxicating atmosphere (music, set designs and the overall retro feel of everything from the costumes to the wallpaper). Too bad that the sci-fi plot in the background of the story is so phantasmagorical that you cannot take the film seriously. But it’s worth seeing this anyway as a creative trip, inspiring longer discussions than most unoriginal, formulaic sci-fi thrillers. (08/02/2010)