The Box
User Score
4.5 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 105
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 105
  3. Negative: 41 out of 105

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  1. Ray
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    The film's only a 6 really, but my god, what audaciousness, yet again, to cram so much goings-on into one little picture. Slow? Only if you like boring films going nowhere. It's silly at times, not well acted at other times -- but, also amazingly creative, billiantly shot and, most importantly, obviosuly the dedicated work of a film-making genius who dares to take movies into the sci-fi/horror rhelm...with a straight face and a holy heart.… Expand
  2. ToddH
    Nov 11, 2009
    9
    This is one of the more thoughtful, creative, interesting, albeit bizarre films I have seen in a long time. I'm sorry if there was too much going on for some viewers to follow (i.e. those that went expecting a "movie" instead of a "film"). This is art- from the cinematography to the music to the combination of moral fable, sci-fi, and suburban horror. If I were teaching a film as literature course I would use this as one of the films- and have students draw from Milgram's Shock Experiment & Sartre's No Exit in explicating it. Tons of material for philosophical and sociological discussion/analysis. Loved it!… Expand
  3. LarryD
    Nov 14, 2009
    10
    How this is not at least a 60 on metacritic is beyond me. This is a spectacular film: brilliant cinematography, excellent screenwriting, amazing sets, and great acting. Moreover, the library scene is one that will go down as one of the most unique and well executed scene in the history of American film. Much like Southland Tales, critics seem to AFRAID to give Kelly the accolades he deserves. For me, as a fan of his work, I think that he is one of the best film makers working in the United States today. What is sad is that our culture is to ignorant to recognize this. The box is a critique of American modernity and perhaps America is still not ready to reflect on the symptoms of sick society. An excellent film that I highly recommend. It's a thinker!… Expand
  4. KatherineY
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    I am amazed at all the symbolism the critics do not seem to get. Like Kelly's other films, this movie is really a symbolic representation of our deepest questions regarding life, the existence of God and other issues of human existance such as original sin. It is not just a science fiction movie. If you can't see past the button to the apple in eden then you're missing a huge part of the film. Intelligent, surreal and thought provoking as always, I am already waiting for Kelly's next film.… Expand
  5. Mr.D.
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Beautiful Horror Movie... Great actor's performance and perfect suspense !!
  6. promato
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    I have no idea how a movie of this quality rank could get the hilarious 47 out of 100 points. This is literally a masterpiece, one of the best movies made recently.
  7. garbawnzo
    Jul 22, 2011
    10
    This film started as a simple morality vehicle, but ended as a deeply religious and human narrative regarding not only morality, but original sin and pulls symbolism from the Garden of Eden to exhibit the fall of man from a very interesting perspective. The acting was more or less unremarkable but the cinematography and audio are sublime. Do not be discouraged by the negative reviews. The only explanation that I can offer for low marks is that the reviewer wasn't expecting to see an actual film, and instead was expecting a cookie cutter sci-fi/horror summer blockbuster that is neither memorable nor engaging. If that's what you're after, enjoy saw 14. If you're looking for a narrative thriller with a little substance, check this one out.… Expand
  8. diego9901
    Feb 7, 2013
    10
    esta película es una prueba ingeniosa para la mente aunque es un poco lenta su historia salva a esta película de caer en el basio en el que han caído varias películas que intentan lo mismo

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
47 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 6 out of 24
  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Jordan Mintzer
    50
    Kelly's trademark mix of sci-fi, surrealism and suburbia occasionally entertains.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    40
    An artistic fiasco that cuts across genre lines and all logic to become, perhaps, an instant midnight movie.
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  3. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Rene Rodriguez
    75
    The Box is a mess, but it's a curiously haunting, intriguing, brain-tickling mess, and it delivers that "Donnie Darko" feeling in truckloads. Or should that be rocketloads?
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