A Supernatural Horror Thriller
Mirrors (2008) is a psychological supernatural horror film directed by Alexandre Aja, known for his work on The Hills Have Eyes (2006) and High Tension (2003). The film is loosely based on the 2003 South Korean horror movie Into the Mirror but expands on the concept with more violent and supernatural horror elements.
Starring Kiefer Sutherland, the film explores the terrifying idea that mirrors serve as a gateway to malevolent forces, turning everyday reflections into deadly traps.
Plot Summary
Ben Carson (Kiefer Sutherland) is a former NYPD detective struggling with alcoholism and PTSD after a tragic shooting incident. Separated from his wife Amy (Paula Patton) and living with his sister Angela (Amy Smart), he takes a job as a night security guard at the abandoned Mayflower Department Store, which was destroyed in a fire years ago.
While patrolling the ruins, Ben begins noticing eerie, supernatural occurrences in the mirrors—they reflect terrifying images that don’t match reality. Soon, these visions turn violent, affecting not only him but also those around him.
As he investigates, Ben uncovers the dark history behind the mirrors, learning about a young girl named Anna Esseker, who was once treated at a psychiatric hospital within the Mayflower building. She had been subjected to controversial treatments for schizophrenia, but in reality, she was possessed by a demonic entity. Instead of exorcising the demon, the treatment trapped it inside the mirrors, where it remains desperate to escape.
The spirit, growing stronger, begins targeting Ben’s family, forcing him to find Anna, now living in seclusion, to stop the curse before it consumes everyone he loves.
Main Cast & Characters
- Kiefer Sutherland (24, The Lost Boys) as Ben Carson – A troubled ex-cop battling supernatural forces.
- Paula Patton (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol) as Amy Carson – Ben’s estranged wife, a nurse caught in the terror.
- Cameron Boyce (Jessie, Descendants) as Michael Carson – Ben’s young son, targeted by the mirrors.
- Erica Gluck as Daisy Carson – Ben’s daughter, also in danger.
- Amy Smart (The Butterfly Effect, Crank) as Angela Carson – Ben’s sister, who meets a horrifying fate.
- Mary Beth Peil (The Stepford Wives) as Anna Esseker – The key to understanding the mirror’s curse.
Notable Horror Scene: Angela’s Death
One of the film’s most shocking moments is Angela’s death, where her mirror reflection brutally rips open her own jaw, causing her to die in real life. This gruesome, unsettling scene is one of the movie’s most talked-about moments.
Behind the Scenes & Production
- Director: Alexandre Aja (High Tension, The Hills Have Eyes, Crawl).
- Writers: Alexandre Aja & Grégory Levasseur.
- Producers: Alexandra Milchan, Marc Sternberg.
- Music: Javier Navarrete (Pan’s Labyrinth).
- Budget: $35 million.
- Box Office: $78.5 million worldwide.
Aja, known for his graphic and intense horror style, brought his signature mix of suspense and brutal horror to Mirrors. The film combines psychological tension with disturbing gore, making it a mix of supernatural horror and violent thriller elements.
While it is based on the Korean horror movie Into the Mirror (2003), Aja significantly altered the story, shifting it from a murder mystery to a possession-based horror story.
Themes & Symbolism
1. The Duality of Reflections
Mirrors are often seen as symbolic of self-identity and truth, but in Mirrors, they serve as a gateway to hidden horrors. The film plays with the idea that our reflections are separate entities, capable of influencing reality.
2. Trauma & Guilt
Ben’s character arc is deeply tied to guilt and redemption. His past as a detective, haunted by a shooting incident, makes him emotionally vulnerable to the horrors within the mirrors.
3. The Fear of the Unseen
The movie thrives on psychological horror, using reflections to create paranoia and dread, as anyone looking into a mirror could unknowingly be marked for death.
Reception & Critical Response
- Rotten Tomatoes: 14% (Critics) / 45% (Audience)
- Metacritic: 35/100
- IMDB: 6.1/10
Critics panned the film, citing a convoluted story, overuse of jump scares, and excessive violence. However, fans of supernatural horror praised its eerie atmosphere, disturbing visuals, and brutal horror sequences.
Despite mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, earning over $78 million worldwide, doubling its production budget.
Final Thoughts: Is Mirrors Worth Watching?
✅ Watch it if you enjoy:
- Supernatural horror with psychological elements.
- Creepy mirror-related horror themes.
- Shocking, violent death scenes (like Angela’s jaw-ripping moment).
- Movies like Oculus or The Ring with cursed objects.
❌ Skip it if you dislike:
- Overuse of jump scares.
- More style over substance in horror.
- Gory supernatural horror with graphic violence.
While Mirrors isn’t considered a horror masterpiece, it has cult status among fans of supernatural horror. Its unique premise, eerie visuals, and disturbing mirror-based deaths make it a memorable, if flawed, horror experience.