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Planchette is a 2015 horror movie directed by Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola. The film follows two best friends, Susan (Sophia Cacciola) and David (Stephen Wu), who embark on a weekend getaway to a remote cabin in the woods with the intention of creating a short film. Upon arrival, they discover a mysterious wooden board game called Planchette in the cabin, and decide to use it as inspiration for their film.

However, as they play the game, strange and terrifying events begin to occur. The planchette, a tool typically used to communicate with spirits, seems to be functioning on its own and revealing dark secrets about Susan and David's past. As their horror intensifies, they must navigate their own demons and the supernatural forces that have been unleashed.

Planchette is a slow-burning psychological horror film that relies on atmosphere and tension to build suspense. While the premise of a group of young adults messing with a Ouija board may seem clichéd, Epstein and Cacciola inject new life into the genre by focusing on the characters and their relationships. The film opens with Susan and David already experiencing tension in their friendship, and the revelations they uncover through their Planchette sessions only serve to exacerbate their personal struggles.

The directors also make effective use of the isolated setting, creating an eerie and foreboding atmosphere that adds to the sense of dread. The majority of the film takes place inside the cabin, which becomes increasingly claustrophobic as events spiral out of control. The minimal use of jump scares and gore helps to maintain a sense of realism, making the film all the more unsettling.

In addition to the strong direction, Planchette benefits from strong performances from its lead actors. Cacciola and Wu have excellent chemistry as Susan and David, and their raw emotions and vulnerabilities help to ground the film in reality. Michael J. Epstein also shines in a smaller role, playing a reclusive neighbor who may hold the key to the film's mysterious happenings.

While Planchette is not without flaws, particularly in regards to its pacing and dialogue, it is an impressive debut feature from Epstein and Cacciola. The film is a refreshing break from the jump scare-heavy horror films that dominate the genre, and instead offers a more nuanced and character-driven approach to storytelling.

Overall, Planchette is a well-executed and spine-tingling horror film that will leave audiences questioning the line between reality and the paranormal.

Planchette is a 2015 horror movie with a runtime of 6 minutes.