The Box

The film opens with a mysterious CIA memo that reveals the recovery of a man named Arlington Steward. He has suffered severe burn injuries and is now involved in an ambiguous project related to Mars.

In 1976, the film introduces Norma and Arthur Lewis as they enjoy a peaceful morning in bed. Their tranquility is shattered by a doorbell, leading to an unexpected delivery.

Norma discovers a mysterious wooden box on her doorstep after the doorbell rings. Inside, she finds a glass dome-covered button along with a note indicating that Arlington Steward will arrive at 5:00 PM.

As Norma and Arthur share breakfast with their son Walter, they seem unaware of the choices awaiting them. However, Norma's financial troubles escalate when she learns that her tuition discount at her teaching job is no longer valid.

Arthur leaves for work at NASA, where he has been involved in the design of camera technology for the Viking Mars probe. He faces disappointment after failing a psychological evaluation, resulting in his rejection from the astronaut program.

At exactly 5:00 PM, Arlington Steward arrives to present the couple with a chilling proposition. He offers them one million dollars in exchange for their decision to push the button, leading to the death of an unknown person elsewhere.

After intense deliberation, Norma impulsively presses the button, triggering a series of horrifying events. Arlington reappears shortly after, handing them cash without revealing if the button was activated.

Following the button incident, Arthur receives alarming news regarding a fatal shooting of a woman, which likely ties back to their decision. The couple begins to understand the grave implications of their choice.

At a wedding rehearsal dinner, Arthur and Norma encounter unsettling revelations that seem to connect their lives with others. Prophetic conversations and strange occurrences deepen the sense of unease around them.

Norma shares an emotional confrontation with Arlington, revealing her deep sense of empathy. As pressures rise, the couple scrambles to protect their son when he is suddenly kidnapped.

In a dramatic twist, Arthur and Norma are faced with a heart-wrenching choice that pits their love against their child's future. The decision leads to emotionally charged consequences that change their lives forever.

As the film nears its conclusion, Arlington offers one last devastating choice to the couple. The outcome reinforces the themes of morality and sacrifice amidst the unrelenting human greed and vulnerability they face.

In a poignant ending, another couple encounters the same horrifying dilemma presented by Arlington. This reflects the ongoing cycle of choices and consequences, leaving a lingering impact on the viewer's mindset.

As Arthur is taken away, the film closes with an overwhelming sense of dread that looms over the family. Their previously peaceful lives are forever altered, illustrating the haunting results of their decisions.