Mirrors

Mirrors is a 2008 supernatural horror film directed by Alexandre Aja, starring high-profile actors like Kiefer Sutherland, Paula Patton, and Amy Smart. The movie evokes a sense of suspense, terror, and creepiness by exploring the strange and eerie world of mirrors, portraying them as much more than simple reflective surfaces.

In Mirrors, Kiefer Sutherland plays the lead role as Ben Carson, a former NYPD detective who has been suspended due to personal issues. He is currently working as a security guard at a recently gutted store to make ends meet. The store, previously a lavish department store known as the Mayflower, had been devastated by a large-scale fire that led to a significant loss of life. As Ben starts his job at the ominously large and vacant store, he notices a strange occurrence. The myriad of mirrors inside the store, thankfully left untouched by the fire, begin to reveal unsettling reflections. These reflections don't mimic reality as they should, but instead display dark and disturbing scenarios, sparking horror and mystery.

Kiefer Sutherland, who has proven his acting potential in his action drama series '24', delivers a convincing performance as a tragic hero. Ben Carson's righteousness and resolve force him to confront the supernatural occurrences unfolding before him, despite their terrifying nature. As Ben delves deeper into these occurrences, he quickly realizes that these are not ordinary mirrors – they seem to house something evil, something that has a strong connection with the store's gruesome past.

Paula Patton plays the role of Amy Carson, Ben's estranged wife, and the mother of their two children. Amy is a supportive character and Patton plays the role with the necessary sensitivity. Her relationship with Ben adds an emotional and familial element to the narrative, providing a humanizing backdrop to the horror unfolding in front of us. Amy Smart likewise delivers a commendable performance, playing the role of Angela Carson, Ben's younger sister.

The film rapidly becomes a gripping narrative about a man's fierce determination to combat an unseen supernatural entity to protect those he loves. Director Alexandre Aja masterfully blends the horror with a detective narrative which engages the audience, whilst also imbuing the story with a psychological undertone. This psychological element most notably manifests in the characters' interactions with the mirrors, and how the mirrors serve to reflect their deepest fears and insecurities - coupled with gruesome and terrorizing imagery.

The cinematography is beautifully haunting, with reflective surfaces playing a crucial role in creating a truly chilling atmosphere. The empty, echoing spaces of the gutted department store serve to amplify the viewers' feeling of unease - a testament to the effective production design and art direction. Meanwhile, the film's special effects and make-up produce horrifyingly realistic images that are sure to send shivers down the spines of even the most hardened horror fans.

While being a horror, Mirrors also explores themes of redemption and familial bonds, examining how individuals can find the strength to confront their demons when pushed into a corner. The screenplay peppers in the backstory about Ben's past at apt intervals, keeping the audience engaged with the narrative and rooting for the characters' survival.

Mirrors is not a horror movie that depends solely on jump scares or graphic content to unsettle its viewers. It leverages its premise to create psychological horror that invokes fear with intelligent storytelling and thoughtful symbolism. This approach is anchored by strong performances from its cast, particularly Sutherland, who remains the driving force of the movie.

As the narrative unravels, the layers of mystery deepens. The viewers are left to piece together the fragments of the past as Ben Carson does, making for an interactive viewing experience. Mirrors succeeds in its aim to disturb and frighten, balancing the supernatural and the psychological to create a thoroughly unsettling horror film.

In conclusion, Mirrors is a chilling cinematic experience that combines a traditional detective story with a supernatural narrative to create a horror movie that is worth a watch for any fan of the genre. The movie uses the interesting premise of haunted mirrors to create a terrifying tale of suspense and horror. With its gripping narrative, strategic plot twists and adrenaline-inducing scares, Mirrors provide the viewer a haunting ride.