Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Compelling horror/thriller has disturbing images, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Black Box (2020)
What's the Story?
BLACK BOX (2020) tells the story of Nolan (Mamoudou Athie), recovering from a car crash in which his wife died. He has amnesia and is struggling to put his life back together and take care of his young daughter Ava (Amanda Christine). Nolan's best friend Gary (Tosin Morohunfola) encourages him to try experimental treatments with Dr. Lillian Brooks (Phylicia Rashad), so Nolan agrees to give it a try. But the more memories he starts to recover, the less he feels sure of himself and who he is. How far back must he go, and how deep must he dig, to finally learn the truth?
Is It Any Good?
Although it's a little uneven at times, this is a compelling horror movie with both sci-fi and thriller elements that will keep fans of the genre in their seats until the end. The imagined technique for memory recovery is interesting and inventive. That, the strong cast, the bizarre and disturbing images, as well as the underlying tension, give a lift to an otherwise familiar story. Some viewers may guess the plot twist, others may be surprised, but once it's revealed, the outcome is never in any doubt.
On the plus side, Black Box is refreshingly free of sexual content and alcohol use. There are lots of positive representations for Black viewers -- young Amanda Christine can be quite a scene stealer. Disturbing images, some blood, and menacing implications of violence make it best for older teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Black Box (2020). How much is too much? Does it matter if it's gory or not? Why or why not?
Why is it important to see different types of people and different skin colors represented in media? How do you feel when you see a character you can identify with? What can you learn about people who are different from you?
Why are scary movies so popular? What do we like so much about them? What are some of your favorites?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 6, 2020
- Cast : Mamoudou Athie , Phylicia Rashad , Tosin Morohunfola
- Director : Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Single Parents ) , Holidays ( Father's Day ) , Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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