Deeply affecting, Ouija: Origin of Evil proves to be something more than a regular trip to the cinema. Still reeling from this experience, I am drunk on the possibilities for interpretation. Suffice to say, it’s one of the finest supernatural thrillers to emerge this millennium.

Set in 1965, medium Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser) gives readings for grieving families without any real conjurations. Her daughters Lina (Annalise Basso) and the youngest Doris (Lulu Wilson) offer behind-the-scenes help. Of course these scams seem short-lived, so Alice brings home a Ouija board. However, she cannot foresee Doris’ obsession with it.

Horror has always been a major part of storytelling. Long before silent movies wowed us through visual prowess, there were composers, books and theatrical productions manifesting gothic tales to excite the intellect. To fully appreciate Ouija: Origin of Evil, you have to recognise familiar elements, such as noises in the dark while marvelling at Mike Flanagan’s bold direction. He makes every narrative twist feel like the first occurrence. Because it’s so immediate, our ability to get sucked in can only increase.

Brazenly scored by The Newton Brothers, Ouija: Origin of Evil succeeds via intrigue not jump scares. It’s more about the unknown, as well as the insecurities people encounter when dealing with the spirit world. In short, it’s a marvellous journey.

Time for a stanza or three:

Souls withered, ripe for decomposition

Forces unseen, chaotic possession.

Ouija: Origin of Evil

better than usual.

Acting the maximum share

tokens hidden by lair.

Lulu Wilson on the brink

of something that cannot sink.

Camerawork and editing the best.

All good on pacing, no pest!

The bar goes up ten

reaching monumental den.

(Released by Universal Pictures and rated "PG-13" for disturbing images, terror and thematic elements.)