Horror director Daniel Stamm adds another supernatural thriller to his résumé with “Lockbox” from Aura Entertainment. Written by Justin Yoffe and based on the “Knifepoint Horror” stories, the film follows Ellen (Carla Gugino) as she retreats to a rural town after her mother’s death in search of peace.
While settling her late mother’s affairs, she takes in her severely traumatized cousin, Winthrop (Lou Taylor Pucci). Their fragile existence is disrupted when an erratic neighbor, Vahna Minter (Katherine Isabelle), warns Ellen that Winthrop is dangerous. As increasingly disturbing events unfold, Ellen finds herself battling an otherworldly force determined to claim him.
If nothing else, 2026 will be remembered as a remarkable year for horror. Between *Obsessed*, *Backrooms*, and *Send Help*, audiences have enjoyed films that have performed well both commercially and critically. While not every horror movie needs to reinvent the genre, it should at least offer genuine scares or an engaging story. Unfortunately, *Lockbox* struggles to deliver either.
I approached the film with moderate expectations. I’ve admired Carla Gugino since I was a kid; Katherine Isabelle has built a respectable career in horror, and Daniel Stamm impressed me early in his filmmaking career. Sadly, *Lockbox* ends up being a disjointed and ultimately forgettable experience.
The film relies on familiar horror tropes, with its grieving heroine returning home only to become entangled in supernatural chaos. While Gugino remains a commanding screen presence, the screenplay provides her with very little emotional depth or character development. As a result, her performance never rises above what is presented on the page. Even during the film’s body-horror-infused climax, there’s little emotional investment because the character is so underwritten.
Thankfully, “Lockbox” wisely decides not to burden Gugino’s grieving protagonist with a needless romantic subplot involving an old flame from her past. This restraint keeps the story focused on Ellen’s emotional journey, avoiding unnecessary distractions. Unfortunately, even this smart creative choice isn’t enough to overcome the film’s uneven pacing, weak character development, and muddled mythology.
Lou Taylor Pucci, who broke through with 2013’s “Evil Dead”, also feels underserved. Instead of generating sympathy, Winthrop comes across as more frustrating than compelling, making it difficult for viewers to care about his fate. Katherine Isabelle fares slightly better, portraying a character that hints at an intriguing backstory. Still, the film never fully develops her role and gets lost in convoluted mythology involving possessions and supernatural lore.
Perhaps fans of the original “Knifepoint Horror” stories will find more to appreciate than I did. As someone unfamiliar with the source material, I found “Lockbox” increasingly difficult to stay invested in. At just 95 minutes, the film somehow still feels longer than it actually is, and by the end, I was waiting for the credits to roll.
Final Grade: D+
“Lockbox” opens in theaters today.
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