Wishuponmovie.com

Everything You Need to Know About Wish Upon

Released in 2017, Wish Upon is a supernatural horror film directed by John R. Leonetti and written by Barbara Marshall. Known for its intriguing concept and cautionary themes, the movie centers on the dangers of greed and the unintended consequences of getting what you wish for. Here’s everything you need to know about Wish Upon, from its plot to its critical reception and hidden lessons.

The Plot

The story follows Clare Shannon (played by Joey King), a high school student dealing with the trauma of her mother’s suicide and the challenges of adolescence. Clare’s life takes a turn when her father (Ryan Phillippe), a dumpster diver, brings home a mysterious Chinese music box inscribed with strange symbols. Clare discovers that the box grants its owner seven wishes—but with a catch.

At first, Clare’s wishes seem harmless: she asks for popularity, wealth, and revenge on bullies. However, each wish is accompanied by a gruesome consequence, leading to a series of tragedies for those around her. As Clare grows more addicted to the power of the music box, she learns that its origins are sinister, and the price of her wishes is far greater than she imagined.

Themes and Symbolism

Wish Upon explores themes of greed, loss, and responsibility. The film serves as a cautionary tale, showing how seemingly innocent desires can spiral into chaos when fueled by selfishness. The music box symbolizes temptation and the human tendency to overlook potential consequences when offered an easy path to fulfillment.

The movie also touches on teenage insecurities, highlighting Clare’s yearning for social acceptance, love, and escape from her struggles. These relatable motivations make her descent into obsession both compelling and tragic.

Cast and Performances

Joey King as Clare Shannon: Joey King delivers a solid performance, capturing Clare's vulnerability and moral conflict as she becomes consumed by the box’s power. Ryan Phillippe as Jonathan Shannon: Clare’s father, a well-meaning but flawed man whose scavenging habit brings the music box into their lives.

Ki Hong Lee as Ryan Hui: Clare’s friend who helps uncover the dark history of the box. Shannon Purser as June Acosta: Clare’s supportive best friend, known for her role as Barb in Stranger Things. The cast’s performances add depth to the film, balancing the horror with emotional undertones.

Critical Reception

Wish Upon received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Many praised its concept and Joey King’s performance but criticized its predictable plot and reliance on genre clichés. The film holds a 19% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting that it falls short of its potential. Despite this, it has gained a cult following for its entertaining premise and dramatic twists.

Why You Should Watch It

If you enjoy supernatural horror with a moral lesson, Wish Upon is worth a watch. While not groundbreaking, it’s an engaging story with suspenseful moments and thought-provoking themes. It also serves as a modern-day cautionary tale, reminding viewers to think twice about what they wish for.