The Box (2009): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2009, The Box is a thriller and science fiction film directed by Richard Kelly, running about 115 minutes. “All you have to do is push the button.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Norma and Arthur Lewis, a suburban couple with a young child, receive a simple wooden box as a gift, which bears fatal and irrevocable consequences. A mysterious stranger delivers the message that the box promises to bestow upon its owner $1 million with the press of a button. However pressing this button will simultaneously cause the death of another human being somewhere in the world; someone they don't know. With just 24 hours to have the box in their possession, Norma and Arthur find themselves in the cross-hairs of a startling moral dilemma and must face the true nature of their humanity.

Who’s in it. The Box stars Cameron Diaz as Norma Lewis, James Marsden as Arthur Lewis, Frank Langella as Arlington Steward and James Rebhorn as Norm Cahill, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.6/10, The Box has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $33.3M at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Box page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Box tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.