The Box

The movie opens with Malorie Hayes guiding two children, known as Boy and Girl, on a treacherous journey across a river. She insists they keep their blindfolds on, navigating through danger while clutching a box of her pet birds that symbolize her hope.

Five years prior, Malorie, an artist expecting a child, shares a heartfelt moment with her sister Jessica as they watch a news report about mysterious mass suicides. Their discussion on the report reveals Malorie's deep emotional struggles and foreshadows the impending chaos that will soon invade their lives.

After a prenatal appointment, the sisters encounter a woman exhibiting disturbing behavior, signaling the arrival of the unseen threat. As terror grips the city, Jessica tragically loses her life, sending Malorie into a desperate fight for survival while pregnant.

Amid the rising chaos, Malorie receives help from Tom and finds temporary refuge in a house alongside other survivors, including a skeptical man named Douglas and Lydia. Together, they confront the grim reality of a mysterious force causing mass suicides when anyone looks at it.

While trapped in the shelter, the survivors' panic escalates as they uncover the extent of the entity's influence. Malorie recounts the harrowing moments of her sister's demise to Tom, solidifying their bond amid growing tensions and dwindling resources.

Internal conflicts arise within the group as Gary, a man nearing the edge of insanity, seeks to expose the entity without regard for the consequences. His reckless pursuit heightens the danger, placing the entire group at greater risk as they battle both external and internal threats.

As survivors face mounting pressure, Malorie forms a deep emotional connection with Olympia, another pregnant woman in the group. Their bond is highlighted during a moment of vulnerability, as they support each other amidst the chaos of their situation.

Fast forward to 38 hours into their journey on the river, where Malorie prepares the children for violent rapids ahead. Determined to reach safety, she enforces strict rules to keep the children from peeking, showcasing her fierce protective instincts.

In the midst of their journey, both Malorie and Olympia go into labor, highlighting the fragility of life in a collapsing world. Despite the chaos surrounding them, moments of hope and connection between the women bring forth a flicker of light amid their despair.

As they navigate perilous waters, the entity’s voice tempts the children to remove their blindfolds, posing an extreme threat to their survival. Malorie’s protective instincts kick in as she fights against all odds to keep them safe from the unseen force.

After enduring unimaginable hardships, Malorie and the children finally reach a compound that provides refuge from the horrors they've faced. The sense of security here offers a stark contrast to the fear they have been living in.

Once at the sanctuary, Malorie reunites with Dr. Lapham, who provides reassurance and support in this new refuge. This moment of reunion signifies a turning point as Malorie begins to embrace her identity as a mother in the wake of her traumatic experiences.

In a poignant gesture, Malorie releases her birds into the sanctuary, symbolizing hope and new beginnings for her family. This act represents her reclaiming her identity and embracing the light after darkness.