Ouija is a 2014 American supernatural horror film directed by Stiles White, who co-wrote the screenplay with Juliet Snowden. The film was produced by Michael Bay, Bradley Fuller, and Andrew Form, and was released by Universal Pictures.
Plot
The narrative follows a group of five friends—Megan (Olivia Cooke), Trevor (Damon Gupton), Riley (Jesse McGowan), Kaitlyn (Megan Park), and Michael (Sydney Park)—who, after the death of a classmate, discover a Ouija board in a thrift store. They attempt to contact the deceased, inadvertently summoning a malevolent spirit that begins to haunt and terrorize them. The film chronicles their attempts to survive the entity’s attacks and uncover the board’s dark history.
Cast
- Olivia Cooke as Megan
- Damon Gupton as Trevor
- Jesse McGowan as Riley
- Megan Park as Kaitlyn
- Sydney Park as Michael
- David Mazouz as James (the deceased classmate)
Production
Development for the film began in early 2013, with Universal Pictures acquiring the rights to produce a feature based on the Ouija board concept. Stiles White and Juliet Snowden were hired to write the script, emphasizing a modern teenage setting. Principal photography commenced in August 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia, and concluded in October 2013. The production employed practical effects and CGI to depict the supernatural occurrences associated with the board.
Release
Ouija premiered in the United States on October 24, 2014. It was released in both standard and 3D formats. The film received a limited release in some international markets and was later made available on digital platforms and home video.
Box Office
The film grossed approximately $102 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $5 million, making it a commercial success relative to its modest budget.
Critical Reception
Critical response to Ouija was mixed to negative. On review aggregator sites, the film holds a low approval rating, with critics commonly citing its reliance on genre clichés and lack of originality. However, some reviewers highlighted the atmospheric tension and the performance of the lead cast as strengths.
Home Media
Ouija was released on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital download in early 2015. The home media release included an unrated version, deleted scenes, and a featurette on the making of the film.
Sequel
A sequel, titled Ouija: Origin of Evil, was released in 2016. While it shares the thematic premise of a haunted Ouija board, it follows a different storyline and characters, and is not a direct continuation of the 2014 film’s plot.
