Movie Overview
Wish Upon is a 2017 supernatural horror film directed by John R. Leonetti, best known for his work on genre favorites like Annabelle. Starring Joey King as Clare Shannon, the movie blends teen drama with dark fantasy elements, resulting in a chilling experience for viewers looking to watch online. The narrative centers on Clare, a high school outcast who discovers a cryptic Chinese music box that promises to fulfill seven wishes. As Clare uses the box to gain popularity, wealth, and romance, those around her begin to suffer gruesome and tragic deaths. She quickly realizes that the box operates on the principle of blood for fortune, forcing her to find a way to break the curse before she runs out of wishes and loses everything she loves.
The cast features strong performances, particularly by Joey King, who anchors the film with a portrayal of desperation and escalating terror. Ryan Phillippe plays her father, Jonathan, adding emotional weight to the story, while Ki Hong Lee appears as her classmate Ryan. Director John R. Leonetti utilizes his background in cinematography to create a visually striking atmosphere, contrasting the vibrant aesthetic of teenage life with the film’s gruesome horror set pieces.
Upon its release, Wish Upon received mixed to negative reviews from critics. It holds a low 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 32/100 on Metacritic, with many critics pointing out plot holes and reliance on genre clichés. However, the film found a modest audience among horror fans on Netflix and earned 2 nominations. Despite the critical reception, the movie’s fast pace and the terrifying concept of unintended consequences make it an engaging option for a casual movie night. If you enjoy supernatural thrillers where the protagonist's greatest desires become their worst nightmares, you should watch Wish Upon today.
