The Box 2022
Directed by
Lorenzo Vigas
Made by
MUBI
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Box (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The movie begins with Malorie Hayes (Sandra Bullock) urging two children, referred to as Boy (Julian Edwards) and Girl (Vivien Lyra Blair), to keep their blindfolds on during a perilous journey across a river. She clutches a box containing her pet birds, guiding the children along a string trail before they board the boat and set off.
Five years prior, Malorie, an artist expecting a baby, is visited by her sister Jessica (Sarah Paulson). Together, they watch a news report regarding mysterious mass suicides beginning in Siberia and spreading through Europe. Jessica observes that Malorie’s painting reflects a lack of connection, reassuring her that it won’t be so with her child. She accompanies Malorie to a prenatal appointment where their world begins to unravel. Upon leaving, they encounter a woman displaying alarming behavior and, as they realize the danger has reached America, chaos ensues. During their frantic escape, Jessica’s demeanor alters, leading to a tragic accident that claims her life.
Amidst rising panic, Malorie is helped by a stranger, Tom (Trevante Rhodes), as they find temporary shelter in a house with other survivors, including Douglas (John Malkovich), a skeptical husband, and Lydia (Rebecca Pidgeon). They are introduced to a grim reality: a mysterious, unseen force that compels those who gaze upon it to take their own lives. As Malorie recounts the tragic events to Tom, the group fortifies the house against the outside world.
In the current timeline, after hours on the river, Malorie battles the darkness while trying to reach safety. Her attempts to communicate via radio lead to eerie encounters with the entity calling her name. Flashing back to the past, the group struggles for survival under mounting fears and dwindling supplies. They face internal threats, including the troubling influence of Gary (Tom Hollander), a man pushing the boundaries of sanity who seeks to unveil the entity—at devastating costs.
As their plight intensifies, Malorie and fellow survivors make desperate decisions, leading to heart-wrenching losses. Olympia ([Danielle Macdonald]), another pregnant survivor, seeks Malorie’s support in a moment of vulnerability, solidifying an emotional bond between them that resonates throughout their harrowing journey.
Fast forward to 38 hours on the river. Malorie prepares the children for the approaching rapids, determined to navigate without anyone peeking. In the chaos of the past, the women enter labor, and while the world crumbles around them, fleeting moments of hope and connection emerge.
As they brave the perilous waters, tragedy strikes again when voices entice the children to remove their blindfolds. Malorie, embracing her protective instincts, fights through. The threat of the entity looms larger than ever as they inch closer to supposed safety, leading them to a sanctuary.
After an emotional journey filled with hardship, sacrifice, and resilience, they finally reach a compound that serves as a refuge, where Malorie reunites with Dr. Lapham (Parminder Nagra). Amidst the embrace of newfound security, Malorie names her children, reclaiming her identity as a mother. In a poignant act of freedom, she releases her birds into the sanctuary, symbolizing hope and a new beginning for their family amid the shadows of their past.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Box (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Malorie's Urgent Journey
The movie opens with Malorie Hayes guiding two children, known as Boy and Girl, on a treacherous journey across a river. She insists they keep their blindfolds on, navigating through danger while clutching a box of her pet birds that symbolize her hope.
The Beginning of the End
Five years prior, Malorie, an artist expecting a child, shares a heartfelt moment with her sister Jessica as they watch a news report about mysterious mass suicides. Their discussion on the report reveals Malorie's deep emotional struggles and foreshadows the impending chaos that will soon invade their lives.
Chaos Breaks Out
After a prenatal appointment, the sisters encounter a woman exhibiting disturbing behavior, signaling the arrival of the unseen threat. As terror grips the city, Jessica tragically loses her life, sending Malorie into a desperate fight for survival while pregnant.
Founding a Survivor Group
Amid the rising chaos, Malorie receives help from Tom and finds temporary refuge in a house alongside other survivors, including a skeptical man named Douglas and Lydia. Together, they confront the grim reality of a mysterious force causing mass suicides when anyone looks at it.
Coalescing Fear
While trapped in the shelter, the survivors' panic escalates as they uncover the extent of the entity's influence. Malorie recounts the harrowing moments of her sister's demise to Tom, solidifying their bond amid growing tensions and dwindling resources.
The Influence of Gary
Internal conflicts arise within the group as Gary, a man nearing the edge of insanity, seeks to expose the entity without regard for the consequences. His reckless pursuit heightens the danger, placing the entire group at greater risk as they battle both external and internal threats.
An Emotional Connection
As survivors face mounting pressure, Malorie forms a deep emotional connection with Olympia, another pregnant woman in the group. Their bond is highlighted during a moment of vulnerability, as they support each other amidst the chaos of their situation.
Prepping for the Rapids
Fast forward to 38 hours into their journey on the river, where Malorie prepares the children for violent rapids ahead. Determined to reach safety, she enforces strict rules to keep the children from peeking, showcasing her fierce protective instincts.
Labour Amid Desperation
In the midst of their journey, both Malorie and Olympia go into labor, highlighting the fragility of life in a collapsing world. Despite the chaos surrounding them, moments of hope and connection between the women bring forth a flicker of light amid their despair.
The Voice of the Entity
As they navigate perilous waters, the entity’s voice tempts the children to remove their blindfolds, posing an extreme threat to their survival. Malorie’s protective instincts kick in as she fights against all odds to keep them safe from the unseen force.
Reaching the Sanctuary
After enduring unimaginable hardships, Malorie and the children finally reach a compound that provides refuge from the horrors they've faced. The sense of security here offers a stark contrast to the fear they have been living in.
A Reunion and New Beginnings
Once at the sanctuary, Malorie reunites with Dr. Lapham, who provides reassurance and support in this new refuge. This moment of reunion signifies a turning point as Malorie begins to embrace her identity as a mother in the wake of her traumatic experiences.
Hope Takes Flight
In a poignant gesture, Malorie releases her birds into the sanctuary, symbolizing hope and new beginnings for her family. This act represents her reclaiming her identity and embracing the light after darkness.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Box (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Malorie Hayes
Malorie is a determined and resourceful artist grappling with her impending motherhood amidst chaos. Her protective instincts drive her to shield her children from an unseen threat, showcasing her resilience and commitment. As she navigates the challenges of survival, her journey reflects personal growth and the struggle between despair and hope.
Tom
Tom, a stranger who aids Malorie, embodies courage and selflessness in the face of danger. His supportive nature becomes essential for Malorie and the other survivors as they confront both external threats and internal tensions within the group. His bond with Malorie adds emotional depth to the struggle for survival.
Jessica
Jessica plays a pivotal role in Malorie's past, embodying hope and familial support. Her tragic fate marks a turning point in the story, emphasizing the devastating impacts of the encountered threat. Her character represents the vulnerabilities faced by those trying to protect their loved ones amidst an unraveling world.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Box (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Five years prior to the main events
The story unfolds against a backdrop of societal collapse due to an unseen force that incites mass suicides. This catastrophic event disrupts normal life, instilling fear and chaos, particularly as families grapple with impending parenthood while the world seems to unravel around them. The timeline oscillates between present-day survival and flashbacks that frame the characters' backstories.
Location
Siberia, Europe, America
The film's narrative spans across diverse locations, beginning in Siberia, where the mysterious phenomenon of mass suicides initiates. This chaos spreads through Europe and eventually reaches America, marking the beginning of a widespread crisis. The river serves as a pivotal setting, representing both danger and a hopeful path to safety.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Box (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Hope
Hope permeates the narrative as characters strive for survival amidst overwhelming despair. Malorie's journey, particularly in raising her children and nurturing connections with other survivors, emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit. Her act of releasing the birds symbolizes a reclaiming of freedom and the belief in a brighter future despite past traumas.
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Fear of the Unknown
The film explores the theme of fear of the unknown, as characters encounter an incomprehensible entity that drives people to madness. This fear shapes their actions and decisions, leading to tragic consequences. The blindfolds serve as a metaphor for their struggle to navigate a world filled with unseen dangers, highlighting the primal instinct for survival.
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Loss
Loss is a central theme, experienced through the tragic fate of characters like Jessica and many others. Their departures underscore the emotional weight carried by Malorie and the remaining survivors. This theme also reflects the broader societal collapse, impacting families and relationships throughout the narrative, forcing characters to confront grief.
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