“What if some people are comfortable inside their box? It’s simple. There are walls on every side. It just makes sense. Fundamental logic. But what if you don’t like your box? What if it’s not what you wanted? What if it is what you wanted but you’re not happy with it, what do you do then? You try to wake up but it doesn’t let you. You try to get out but there is no out there is only in. You go deeper in.” This is the essence of (and directly from) writer/director Sasha Sibley’s The Box and if you are not already sold on this movie then keep reading–you will be.

I was thrilled to get the chance to review The Box. Director Sasha Sibley has made several short films, but with The Box finally gets to debut a feature-length film. I had the pleasure getting to review his short ‘The Painted‘ and in under 10 minutes it was clear more great things were to come from Sibley. And I am here to say he proved me right in the form of The Box. It was touching, surprising (a little confusing), and I enjoyed it from start to finish.  

The story follows Tyler Stevens (Graham Jenkins), a struggling actor in Los Angeles trying desperately to make his movie star pipe dream come true. While on the chase for stardom, he is haunted by a recurring dream that he is trapped in a house surrounded by impenetrable mirrors. The Box is a beautiful display of Sibley’s talent as a writer and director. This story is not original in the sense that it is telling a very familiar tale felt by more actors than can be counted, but it’s the presentation of this struggle in gorgeous allegorical packaging that makes it so noteworthy. Being stuck, being in a rut, restricting yourself, limiting yourself due to doubt or fear, isolation, and loneliness are all represented on various levels and each is effective. 

The Box jumps across several timelines and while this definitely was needed to make the film effective, it can be a bit confusing. But I promise all will be made clear by the film’s end so any confusion felt is worth the end product. 

Graham Jenkins absolutely delights as Tyler Stevens. He was able to portray three very distinctly different characters who are all the same person, and he made it look easy. His monologues were emotionally grabbing and audiences will be able to connect with Tyler/Jenkins on multiple levels. Tyler is told in the film that he has a gift, and the same can be said of Jenkins. 

Sibley’s directorial abilities really shine here. Shots in this film were obviously very carefully constructed and well thought out. The imagery was all intentional and had higher meaning. I especially loved the concept of the children’s bedroom in Tyler’s mirror armored home. There is nothing arbitrary about this being a child’s room and possibly says something about Tyler’s psyche, past, or feelings of childlike vulnerability/dream.

Sasha Sibley has made quite a splash with his debut feature-length film. It has it all: solid acting, beautiful imagery, and a storyline that’s both intriguing and moving. It makes you think so I think everyone should go check this movie out. It’s been at least a couple of hours and I am STILL thinking about it. 

8 out of 10