The Board is Set, But the Frights are Absent: A Disappointment in Ouija (2014)

Ouija," released in 2014, is a prime example of a film that stumbles so far over the line of genuine scares and mindless clichés that it redefines the parameters of what constitutes a mediocre horror flick. With its uninspired plot, stale characters, and a wealth of missed opportunities for actual chills, "Ouija" serves as a timely reminder of why some haunted boards should remain unopened, no matter how intrigued we might feel.

At first glance, "Ouija" seems to present an intriguing premise: a group of teens uncover a Ouija board that supposedly allows them to communicate with the deceased. Set against the backdrop of a lackluster suburban neighborhood, the film's opening scene introduces Laine (played by Olivia Cooke) and her friends who embark on a journey of thrill-seeking—for social media cred, we assume—only to find themselves entangled in a deadly supernatural web. This premise has potential, but what follows can only be described as a ghostly misfire, where each plot point is as predictable as a jump scare signaled by an unexpected loud noise.

One of the great sins of "Ouija" is its cavalier disregard for character development. Laine, the supposed protagonist, is as flat as the board she’s so keen to manipulate. Her friends are indistinguishable archetypes: the sporty jock, the socially awkward nerd, and the enigmatic girl next door—all tropes we’ve encountered countless times in countless terrible teen horror movies. It's almost as if the filmmakers simply gave up on creating relatable characters, opting instead for a parade of paper-thin personalities whose only purpose is to amplify the body count.

The character of the board itself feels more significant than any of Laine’s friends, leading one to wonder if it was a conscious choice to prioritize an inanimate object over real human connection. It begs the question: if we’re not invested in the fate of these characters, why should we care about what happens to them?

For a movie riding on the wave of occult fascination, "Ouija" is disturbingly uncreative. It relies on an endless parade of horror clichés—creaky doors, whispering winds, and ominous backlighting—that feel both stale and uninspired. By the time we witness the obligatory scene of a character being dragged mysteriously by an unseen force, any hope of originality has long since dissipated into the ether. The once-thrilling moments turn into a game of “guess that trope,” which is far less exciting than it sounds.

Ultimately, "Ouija" suffers from an identity crisis—caught between attempting to be a serious horror film and settling for a half-hearted teen romp. It’s hard not to feel a sense of loss for the time spent watching it, much like the characters who inadvertently opened a door best left closed. The film’s climax, riddled with confusion and disinterest, does little to redeem the journey, leaving audiences feeling more like reluctant participants in a dull séance than fearful witnesses to supernatural events.

if you're looking for genuine horror thrills, consider keeping the Ouija board on the shelf—unless, of course, you’re looking for an unintentionally comedic experience. Otherwise, there are far better ways to spend your time than gazing into this ghostly void of creativity.