“The Box” Review

The Box, a new movie based off Richard Matheson’s 1970 short story Button, Button, may appear a bit familiar with viewers of the series Twilight Zone, although this cinematic version is quite different than the episode aired in 1986. This version is quite the opposite, in fact, having added an abundance of unnecessary and unexpected features, while the show merely stunted the original work.

Norma and Arthur Lewis, a young couple struggling with everyday finances and medical expenses, are presented with a choice that will change their lives and end a stranger’s. The failure of the wife to assert herself and question the man’s proposition leads the family into a series of consequences for the mere push of a button and the decision that demonstrated their own selfishness.

This science fiction thriller was extremely different than what was presented to the audience in previews, and leaves you mesmerized by the stupidity and unknown.  Although the plot is quite interesting, and the movie well presented, the story still leaves one with many questions (like, what do zombies have to do with anything?), along with disgust for the choices of both parents of a young child.

Arthur, a scientist trained in analytic thought and to evaluate the reaction to any action, chose to follow his wife’s selfish wishes and fear of seeing their child suffer, rather than consider the feelings of the young boy. The most astounding part of the whole concept is the mere inability of the human race to look past themselves and their personal desires to a bigger picture full of a struggling society.

I would recommend seeing this film at some point, but I wouldn’t suggest wasting money on the big screen. The psychology behind it would be just as thought provoking, and equally frustrating, to someone watching a rental DVD.

Cover of Button, Button: Uncanny Stories