MIRRORS

MIRRORS has a workable horror premise and creates suspense competently. Its mystery becomes more interesting when Ben investigates the abandoned building, and Esseker’s willingness to sacrifice herself to save Ben’s children provides a genuine moral and redemptive element.

But the movie is not well made overall. Much of it consists of Ben walking through mysterious hallways while creepy noises play. The story has plot holes, illogical turns, predictable developments, and extremely graphic, bloody violence. Strong foul language and gratuitous rear female nudity add further concerns.

The film is intended for older teenagers and adults, but its −2 content rating means it is not family viewing. Watch it only at home, and only if you are a discerning adult prepared for its graphic horror.

Ben, an ex-cop, takes a security job at an abandoned department building that was built over an insane asylum. Evil spirits begin appearing through the mirrors and reflective surfaces around him.

The spirits want Ben to find a mysterious woman named Esseker. As he investigates the building and tries to protect his wife and children, the supernatural danger follows him into his family’s life.

Two stars means MIRRORS has some effective suspense but falls short as a finished film. The movie competently creates tension, and its detective-style investigation of the building quickens the pace and raises interest.

The rest is much weaker. Too much of the film involves Ben moving through mysterious hallways with creepy noises. Plot holes and illogical precepts undermine the story, while much of the movie is predictable and merely competent. Kiefer Sutherland is interesting in the lead role, though the part does little to stretch him beyond what audiences had seen from him in 24.

MIRRORS presents a strong pagan, supernatural worldview with a strong moral overtone and a Christian element of sacrifice involving Esseker, a Roman Catholic nun. The film’s moral bright spot is her willingness to sacrifice herself to help save Ben’s children.

The supernatural evil is presented as spirits and demons connected to mirrors and reflective surfaces. Yet the movie never mentions God or the power of Jesus to overcome evil. Instead, it suggests that the evil continues unabated. That leaves the film’s moral and redemptive element without a biblical source of ultimate victory.

Scripture presents a different answer to supernatural evil: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Esseker’s sacrifice points toward self-giving love, but the film does not connect that sacrifice to God’s power or Christ’s victory.

MIRRORS offers suspense and a sacrificial bright spot, but its weak storytelling, graphic violence, strong language, nudity, and bleak supernatural outlook make it a poor family choice. Our answer is WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY. For better family viewing, see.