Moral questions are always difficult. They make us ponder our choices and ask, “What would I do in that situation?” But when the question asked is as black and white as cold-blooded murder, it makes for a very shallow story. The movie “The Box” is centered on a moral question: however the decision was so obvious that there is almost not a question at all. It was an illustration of temptation and sin that failed miserably both on a cinematic and spiritual level.
The Lewis family was a typical suburban 1970’s family. They had their share of financial troubles but not enough to keep Arthur Lewis from enjoying his brand new Corvette. But when a shady character shows up with a promise of a tax-free million dollars they are excited. However, there is one catch. If they accept the offer, someone in the world, whom they don’t know will die. Needless to say they choose the latter, or else there wouldn’t have been a movie. What follows is what can only be described as merciless consequences for their actions.
Cinematically the movie was just awful. The writer could not decide whether he was creating a throwback thriller, zombie, or alien movie. The result was a confusing combination of the three. Even the casting left much to be desired. In the theater the audience could not stop laughing at the movie’s attempts to create serious moments that failed miserably, and I can’t exactly blame them. I feel like the entire film came off as sloppy. The story line had holes bigger than the Grand Canyon and I know I felt cheated at the end. Like I had just been swindled into half a movie at the full price.
Actually the beginning of the movie was promising. I was excited to see a moral dilemma develop. However, as soon as the decision was made (which was very early on) all that followed was the very creepy and somewhat cheesy punishment. When the film started I was ready for an extended episode of the Twilight Zone. Which, in my opinion, could have been very interesting. But the movie became a bizarre twist of Night of the Living Dead and what vaguely reminded me of a Star Trek episode.
The themes of an afterlife and justice versus grace were ridded throughout, however, we never really found out what the producer’s views were. At one point the main character has to rely completely on chance for his eternal fate. He eventually got a glimpse of the film’s skewed view of heaven. “It felt like a warm embrace. No words can describe it.” Said Arthur Lewis, the main character.
While it’s very possible this is what heaven feels like, the film’s idea of how to get there is fundamentally flawed. It all depends on pleasing some cosmic judge and being worthy. However in reality we know no one is worthy.
The film did provide an interesting illustration of life without mercy. However, it is not worth the ten dollars you spent. Save yourself a headache and don’t go see this movie.