Introduction to Mirrors (2008)

The 2008 horror film Mirrors is a chilling exploration of supernatural terror, setting the stage for a tense and unsettling cinematic experience. Directed by Alexandre Aja and starring Kiefer Sutherland, the movie tells the story of a former police officer named Ben Carson who takes on a new job as a security guard at a burnt-out department store, only to discover that the mirrors within are haunted.

The Haunted Mirrors

Ben Carson, played by Kiefer Sutherland, takes up the role of a security guard at a department store that has been recently destroyed. Upon beginning his shifts, he uncovers a terrifying truth: the mirrors in the store are not just mirrors, but gateways for a malevolent force. These mirrors reveal disturbing visions, and the reflections seem to act independently, leading to ominous and terrifying consequences. The film's narrative builds as the supernatural occurrences escalate, pushing Ben deeper into a desperate search for the dark history behind the mirrors, which are connected to a tragic incident involving a woman subjected to abuse.

Superstitions and Hauntings

The movie's story is reminiscent of the Korean film Into the Mirror, from 2003, from which it derives inspiration. The plot centers on a character named Ben Carson, a suspended police officer who becomes a security guard at a burned-out department store. In this new role, he and his predecessors suffer brutal and inexplicable fates, with their deaths linked to their reflections in the mirrors. These mirrors, it turns out, are not just reflective surfaces but keys to a world of malevolent spirits.

Personal Tragedy

Ben's personal life is further invaded by the supernatural. His sister's death adds a layer of personal trauma, making him even more convinced about the evil forces targeting him. He and his family attempt to protect themselves by painting over the mirrors, but a setback occurs when his son, Michael, begins to remove the paint from the mirrors. This acts as a pivotal moment, heightening the tension and suspense as the evil forces brandish fresh access to their victims.

Comparing Mirrors to Other Works

Comparisons can be drawn between Mirrors and another notable work in the genre, the 1975 Soviet film Zerkalo (Mirror, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky). While Tarkovsky's film Zerkalo focuses on the psychological and emotional grappling with the passage of time and the impact of personal history on the psyche, Mirrors takes a more straightforward and supernatural approach. However, both films deal with the complex interplay between the past and the present, as well as the individual's struggle against shadowy forces from the unknown realms.

Conclusion

Mirrors remains a dark and captivating piece of work, delivering a powerful combination of horror and suspense. It serves as a reminder of the ways in which the unknown and the haunting can inflict fear and terror, even in a seemingly ordinary world. As the film concludes with a tense and unsettling finale, viewers are left to ponder the nature of guilt, trauma, and the consequences of past actions.