Black Box
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 6, 2020
Genre
Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Mamoudou Athie as Nolan Wright
- Phylicia Rashad as Dr. Lillian Brooks
- Amanda Christine as Ava Wright
- Tosin Morohunfola as Gary
- Charmaine Bingwa as Miranda
- Troy James as Backwards Man
Director
Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Born with It (2015)
- The Date (2017)
Producer
- Jason Blum
- Jay Ellis
- Aaron Bergman
- Lisa Bruce
- Marci Wiseman
- Jeremy Gold
Writer
- Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.
- Stephen Herman
Budget
Estimated $10 million
Production Company
- Blumhouse Television
- Amazon Studios
Running Time
100 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense sequences
- Psychological themes
- Mild violence
Movie Story
“Black Box” is a psychological sci-fi thriller that follows the story of Nolan Wright (Mamoudou Athie), a man struggling to regain his memory and identity after a car accident that left him with severe amnesia. Nolan, a widowed father trying to care for his young daughter Ava (Amanda Christine), desperately seeks answers as he struggles with fragmented memories and an overwhelming sense of loss.
Nolan’s search for his true self leads him to Dr. Lillian Brooks (Phylicia Rashad), a neuropsychiatrist who offers him an experimental treatment called the “Black Box,” a device designed to help him recover his lost memories by delving into the subconscious mind. As Nolan undergoes the procedure, he begins to experience vivid and disturbing visions that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
The deeper Nolan goes into his memories, the more he starts to uncover unsettling truths about his past and his identity. Haunted by a mysterious figure known as the Backwards Man, Nolan must navigate the labyrinth of his mind to distinguish between what is real and what is a construct of the Black Box.
As the film progresses, the tension builds, leading to shocking revelations about Nolan’s past and the true purpose of the Black Box. The film explores themes of memory, identity, and the ethics of technology, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the end.
Special Effects
“Black Box” employs a mix of practical and digital effects to create the eerie and unsettling environments that Nolan navigates during his treatment. The special effects are used to enhance the psychological horror elements of the film, with distorted realities and unsettling visuals that reflect Nolan’s fractured mind. The depiction of the Backwards Man, a sinister figure who moves unnaturally, is a standout effect that adds to the film’s creepy atmosphere.
Box Office Performance
“Black Box” was released as part of the “Welcome to the Blumhouse” series on Amazon Prime Video. The film did not have a traditional box office release but gained attention and positive reviews through its streaming platform. It was praised for its strong performances, particularly from Mamoudou Athie and Phylicia Rashad, and for its engaging blend of science fiction and psychological horror.
Filming Locations
- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Your memories are everything. They define who you are.” – Dr. Lillian Brooks
- “Sometimes, our minds can create what we want to see.” – Dr. Lillian Brooks
- “I don’t know who I am anymore.” – Nolan Wright
Behind-the-Scenes
“Black Box” marks the feature directorial debut of Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr., who worked closely with the cast and crew to create a film that balances psychological depth with sci-fi intrigue. The movie was shot in New Orleans, using the city’s unique atmosphere to add to the film’s moody and mysterious tone. The film’s production was part of a collaboration between Blumhouse Productions and Amazon Studios, aimed at bringing original, genre-driven stories to a streaming audience.
Awards
While “Black Box” did not receive major awards, it was noted for its performances and strong direction in various reviews, making it a standout in the “Welcome to Blumhouse” series.
Final Verdict
“Black Box” is a compelling and unsettling thriller that explores the complexities of memory and identity through a sci-fi lens. The film is anchored by strong performances, particularly from Mamoudou Athie and Phylicia Rashad, who bring emotional depth to their roles. With its mix of psychological horror and science fiction, “Black Box” is an engaging and thought-provoking watch for fans of mind-bending narratives.
IMDb Rating
6.2/10