Mirrors (2008)
“Mirrors” is a 2008 supernatural horror film directed by Alexandre Aja and stars Kiefer Sutherland, Paula Patton, and Amy Smart. The film is a remake of the 2003 South Korean horror film “Into the Mirror” and delves into the eerie and unsettling world of haunted mirrors and malevolent forces lurking within them.
The story follows Ben Carson (Kiefer Sutherland), a former NYPD detective who is struggling to rebuild his life after a traumatic incident that led to his suspension from the force and the dissolution of his marriage. To get back on his feet, Ben takes a job as a night security guard at the Mayflower, a once-grand department store that was gutted by a fire and has been abandoned for years.
As Ben begins his nightly rounds in the eerie, decrepit building, he soon notices something strange about the mirrors that line the walls. The mirrors appear to reflect more than just reality, showing disturbing and often violent images that do not match what is in front of them. These reflections begin to haunt Ben, revealing dark and horrifying secrets.
The malevolent force within the mirrors starts to torment Ben and those around him, including his estranged wife Amy (Paula Patton) and their children. As the supernatural occurrences escalate, Ben becomes desperate to uncover the truth behind the haunted mirrors and the malevolent entity controlling them.
Ben’s investigation leads him to discover the dark history of the Mayflower building and its connection to a psychiatric patient named Anna Esseker (Mary Beth Peil), who underwent a controversial treatment involving mirrors. Ben learns that the evil force trapped in the mirrors is seeking revenge and must be stopped before it claims more victims.
With time running out and his family’s safety at stake, Ben races to find a way to confront and destroy the evil entity. The film builds tension through a series of chilling encounters and disturbing imagery, culminating in a dramatic and intense showdown.
“Mirrors” is notable for its atmospheric setting, suspenseful narrative, and effective use of visual effects to create unsettling mirror-based scares. Kiefer Sutherland delivers a compelling performance as Ben Carson, capturing the character’s desperation and determination to protect his family.
While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it has garnered a following among horror fans for its creepy premise and the haunting concept of mirrors as a conduit for supernatural terror. “Mirrors” taps into primal fears and explores the idea that reflections may hold more than just our own image, making it a memorable entry in the supernatural horror genre.
