Wish Upon

Wish Upon

Year: 2017

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: John R. Leonetti

Echo Score: 50

Budget: $12M

ThrillerFantasyHorror

Seventeen-year-old Clare Shannon finds high school a constant struggle, until she discovers an antique music box promising to grant wishes. Initially thrilled by the seemingly miraculous fulfillment of her desires, Clare soon realizes there's a terrible price to pay. As her wishes come true, those around her begin to suffer tragic and violent fates. Forced to confront the dark consequences of her actions and the box’s sinister power, Clare must find a way to end the curse before it destroys everything she holds dear.

Wish Upon (2017) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Wish Upon (2017) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sleepy town of Shadyside, the daily grind of high school feels like an unending maze for Clare Shannon. Juggling a demanding father, Jonathan, who works odd jobs to keep the lights on, and a mother, Johanna, whose quiet grief lingers like a shadow, she clings to routine while yearning for something more. The halls are filled with the usual cliques, whispered rumors, and the relentless pressure to fit in, leaving her to wonder if there’s any escape from the ordinary.

One rainy afternoon, while rummaging through the attic, Clare stumbles upon an antique music box that murmurs promises of wishes granted. Its delicate chime hints at a world where longing can be voiced and, perhaps, answered. The atmosphere surrounding the box is equal parts nostalgic curiosity and unsettling allure, setting a tone that blends teen‑drama with an undercurrent of eerie suspense. The idea of a single object that might rewrite her fate feels intoxicating, yet the faint echo of an unseen cost hangs in the air.

Among the familiar faces at school, Darcie Chapman towers as the queen of popularity, while Paul Middlebrook offers a shy, uncertain hope of teenage romance. Ryan Hui, a loyal friend, stands beside Clare, offering humor and grounding amid the chaos. Even August, the enigmatic uncle whose presence is both comforting and mysterious, adds another layer to her already tangled world. And there’s Max, the family dog whose simple companionship reminds Clare of what truly matters.

As the music box’s soft melody weaves through her thoughts, Clare’s imagination ignites with possibilities—new confidence, acceptance, and a chance to rewrite the parts of her life that feel broken. Yet the promise of effortless change carries an implicit tension, hinting that every desire may demand something in return. The film balances the nostalgic glow of youthful hope with a creeping, unsettling dread, inviting viewers to wonder just how far one would go when wishes become tangible, and what shadows linger behind every wish whispered in the dark.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 03:13

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Movies about deadly wishes like Wish Upon

Stories where a supernatural deal turns into an inescapable curse.If you liked the dark consequences of the music box in Wish Upon, explore these movies about supernatural bargains and cursed objects. This list features similar stories where characters make a fatal wish, leading to a spiral of tragedy, guilt, and a desperate race against an unforgiving curse.

sinisteranxiousparanoidgrippinggrimfatalisticdesperatetragic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a clear cause-and-effect structure: a desire is fulfilled, but each fulfillment is directly linked to a escalating, tragic consequence for those around the protagonist. The journey is one of spiraling dread and powerlessness, as the character's attempts to break the curse often only tighten its grip, frequently culminating in a bleak or hopeless conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared exploration of the 'be careful what you wish for' trope, executed with a dark, fatalistic tone. They feature high intensity, fast-paced consequences, and a heavy emotional weight centered on grief, loss, and the moral price of selfish desires.

Teen horror thrillers with a dark tone like Wish Upon

Coming-of-age stories shattered by supernatural horror and mounting dread.Fans of the desperate teen angst and supernatural horror in Wish Upon will find similar movies here. This collection features young adult horror where protagonists face a sinister force, leading to a fast-paced, tense, and grim story with heavy consequences and a focus on moral dilemmas.

anxiousparanoidgrippingdesperatetensegrimteen horrorsupernatural

Narrative Summary

The emotional journey blends classic teenaged angst with supernatural terror. The protagonist's desire for a better life is the catalyst for a horror plot that dismantles their world. The narrative is straightforward and fast-paced, focusing on the immediate, violent consequences of their actions and their desperate, often futile, attempts to regain control, resulting in a deeply personal tragedy.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe: a dark, high-intensity fusion of teen drama and supernatural horror. They are united by a fast pace, heavy emotional weight stemming from personal loss, and a tone that is consistently anxious and grim, exploring the destruction of a young life from within.

Unlock the Full Story of Wish Upon

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Wish Upon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Wish Upon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Wish Upon Summary

Wish Upon Timeline

Track the full timeline of Wish Upon with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Wish Upon Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wish Upon

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Wish Upon. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wish Upon

More About Wish Upon

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Wish Upon: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Wish Upon

Similar Movies to Wish Upon

Discover movies like Wish Upon that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.