Wish Upon (2017)

"Wish Upon (2017)" plunges audiences into a dark fairy tale where a teenage girl discovers a box with magical powers, but those powers come with a deadly price. The film introduces Clare Shannon (Joey King), an unpopular and bullied high schooler whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father brings home a mysterious music box. Upon discovering its ability to grant wishes, Clare's world seemingly transforms for the better as she wishes for popularity, revenge, and wealth. However, with each fulfilled desire, a horrific and often gruesome death befalls someone close to her, forcing Clare to confront the escalating tragedy and the horrifying consequences of her newfound power. Directed by horror veteran John R. Leonetti, "Wish Upon" earns its place on a list of his best movies by showcasing his reliable ability to craft an effective and engaging supernatural thriller. Leonetti, known for his work on films like "Annabelle" and "The Butterfly Effect 2," excels at building atmosphere and delivering impactful scares within a clear, high-concept premise. "Wish Upon" capitalizes on a classic "be careful what you wish for" trope, and under Leonetti's direction, it becomes a well-paced, visually competent, and often unsettling morality tale. While perhaps not universally lauded, it stands out in his filmography for its solid execution of its core concept, its commitment to the escalating dread, and its ability to deliver a chilling, character-driven horror narrative that exemplifies Leonetti's distinctive contributions to the modern horror genre.