The Apocalypse Box

I was fascinated by Jim Eaves' previous film You Might Get Lost when I caught it at the Horror-on-Sea Festival a while back, and so had been greatly looking forward to The Apocalypse Box. It did not disappoint. This movie is whip-smart and dark as midnight, confidently mixing political satire with locked location tension and explosions of unexpected splatter. There are hints of Exam and Cube in the effective use of very limited locations but The Apocalypse Box is its own beast entirely, showcasing crackerjack performances and a beautifully pitched script. At 85 minutes or so it flies by, hurtling towards a bleak but memorable finale. I really, really dug it and recommend it without hesitation.

This was an indie gem that expertly blends dark humor and political satire. A gripping premise set in a confined space, a group of strangers faces a deadly game orchestrated by a scheming politician. Kinda has the vibes of Squid Game.

The cast is solid, writing is sharp, filled with clever one-liners that keep you hooked. Visually, the film impresses with atmospheric cinematography and tight pacing. It's a fun ride packed with gore and laughs. Some moments might need more depth, but overall, The Apocalypse Box is a standout indie flick that highlights the creativity of independent filmmakers.

Writer and director James Eaves film explores the idea of a mysterious artifact resembling box being passed through different ages and civilizations in history promising fortune and glory for all instead leaving a trail of blood mayhem and death everywhere it lands.

Its commonly known as "The Apocalypse Box" The Apocolypse Box has now landed in modern day England in the hands of malevolent right wing politician Pier Stonesmith on the eve of his possible election.

Desprate to cling to power has acquired the box and has gathered a room of strangers to play "the game" they must use the box to grant each person a wish if they can remain in one piece by midnight they all stand to win a large sum of money. The group quickly find attempting to use the box even with good intentions has bloody and horrifing consuqeunces.

Trapped where they and cut off from the outside world the group find themselves in a Squid Game like predicament where they must fight to survive.

Director James Eaves skllfully the tension between his characters as a subversive and insightful vehicle to explore divisions in our society. Racial divisions, tensions and disconnection between the younger and older generations. The ever increasing gap between the rich and the poor. It made me think of something acclaimed "social issues" director Ken Loach would do if he ever tackled the horror genre.

The films atmosphere sound design and music reminded me of director M Night Shamalayan back when he was younger and consistent.

The Apocalypse Box is a worthy entertaining watch and holds up a very insightful mirror to our deeply flawed society.

PLOT: A right-wing politician, aims to "Keep Britain British." On election eve, he gathers 6 strangers to unlock a wish-granting box. Ella, his spin doctor, faces chaos, scandal, and temptation with the mysterious "Apocalypse Box."

If you like poorly written and directed movies this one is your jam. Frankly, it's so silly I actually thought it was a comedy-satire!

It's not. It's just not all that good. The musical track is over the top dramatic, but it doesn't serve to make the movie better. It makes you realize how totally not dramatic or horrific the film is.

The movie takes forever to get going but then it goes nowhere! And what's with all the tight close ups? Who directs like that?

It was a bore.

I enjoyed this movie, probably because it was different from what I imagined it to be. I was expecting a gory horror film, but it is really more of a psychological thriller, with a supernatural device (the box) that is a catalyst for exploring themes of ambition and putting self interest ahead of morality.. The backdrop is a political election, where a candidate is down in the polls and needs something to dramatic to happen, to win the election. Well, I THOUGHT I knew where the film was going, but it was full of surprises. It pays homage to the horror motif with a bit of gory but the real payoff was the exploration of character relationships, who cares about whom, and why? I can't say much more without spoilers but I particularly loved some of the visuals the director used in the telling of the story. The conference under the coat being one example. It delivers a serious message about how shallow our elections are, hidden under the veneer of camp horror, and the ending was great!