I had the opportunity to screen the first two of eight films in the new horror anthology WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE. Both BLACK BOX AND THE LIE were released yesterday and are currently streaming on Amazon Prime. The next two – EVIL EYE AND NOCTURNE – will drop on Tuesday, October 13 with the final four premiering on the service in 2021.
Here are the synopses for the films:
In “Black Box,” a single father, who lost both his wife and his memory in a car accident, undergoes an agonizing experimental treatment that causes him to question who he really is. It was directed by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. and stars Mamoudou Athie, Phylicia Rashad, Amanda Christine, Tosin Morohunfola, Charmaine Bingwa, and Troy James.
In “The Lie,” two desperate parents attempt to cover up the horrific crime, when their teenaged daughter confesses to impulsively killing her best friend, leading them into a complicated web of lies and deception. The film was written and directed by Veena Sud, and stars Mireille Enos, Peter Sarsgaard, and Joey King.
Both films use family ties and dynamics as themes to amplify the horrific actions taken by its characters – Black Box with a sci-fi angle and The Lie presenting as a dramatic thriller. And both have magnificent casting and twists that aren’t easily predictable.
However, being honest, I found Black Box the more entertaining of the two, with a fascinating fantasy concept and with The Lie’s tendency to lull at several points in its telling – but the latter is intriguing nonetheless.
I rate Black Box and The Lie 3.5 and 3 beats respectively on the MMTrometer. You can check out the trailers for both below, and click here to get additional info and find out how to stream.
Until next thought, Thomasena
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