Oculus

Synopsis

Oculus is a psychological horror film directed by Mike Flanagan, starring Karen Gillan and Brenton Thwaites. The story centers on siblings Kaylie and Tim Russell, who seek to prove that a haunted mirror was responsible for the tragic events that destroyed their family years earlier. As they attempt to document paranormal activity linked to the mirror, the line between reality and nightmare blurs, leading to increasingly terrifying and mind-bending consequences. The film expertly melds supernatural horror with psychological thriller elements, exploring themes of trauma, memory, and perception, while maintaining an intense and suspenseful atmosphere throughout.

Cast

• 

  Karen Gillan

  Kaylie Russell

• 

  Brenton Thwaites

  Tim Russell

• 

  Katee Sackhoff

  Marie Russell

• 

  Rory Cochrane

  Alan Russell

• 

  Annalise Basso

  Young Kaylie

• 

  Garrett Ryan

  Young Tim

Reviews

Oculus received generally favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 75% approval rating, with the consensus highlighting its effective scares and intelligent narrative structure. Critics praised the film's clever use of flashbacks and suspenseful pacing, with particular commendation for Karen Gillan's strong performance. Metacritic's score of 61/100 indicates generally favorable reviews, noting the film's unique approach in the horror genre and its ability to blend psychological horror with supernatural elements. IMDb users gave it a rating of 6.5/10, reflecting a moderate audience appreciation. Reviewers from major outlets like The Guardian lauded the film's atmospheric tension and inventive storytelling, stating it 'redefines the haunted mirror trope with fresh, unsettling twists.' However, some critics pointed out that the film's complex narrative might leave casual viewers confused. Overall, Oculus is recognized as a thoughtful and chilling entry into modern horror cinema that offers both scares and substance.