Brief Summary
In "The Box," set in 1976, Arthur and Norma Lewis receive a mysterious box with a button. They are told that pressing the button will kill someone they don't know and give them one million dollars. The couple grapples with the moral dilemma, eventually pressing the button, leading to a series of disturbing events and revelations about the true nature of the experiment they've become a part of. The film explores themes of choice, consequence, and the potential manipulation of humanity.
- A mysterious box offers a life-altering choice with deadly consequences.
- Arthur and Norma face a moral dilemma with far-reaching implications.
- The truth behind the experiment reveals a deeper, unsettling agenda.
The Mysterious Box Arrives
In 1976, NSA Deputy Director learns about Arlington Steward, who was resuscitated from NASA's Mars project. Steward is delivering a mysterious device to private residences. Arthur and Norma Lewis find a plain box on their porch containing a button and a note stating Mr. Steward will call them. Inside the box, there is a button that can be accessed through a key.
The Proposition
Norma, a teacher, faces distress at work due to financial issues and her disability. Arthur, working at NASA, is rejected from the astronaut program. Mr. Steward visits Norma and explains that pressing the button will kill someone unknown to them, but they will receive one million dollars tax-free. He gives her a $100 bill as proof and sets a 24-hour deadline for her decision, forbidding her from discussing the details with anyone except Arthur.
The Decision
Arthur and Norma share their bad news and discuss the box. They struggle with the decision, and Arthur discovers the box is empty inside, making them wonder how pressing the button could be detected. Norma is concerned about affording her foot surgery. Arthur confirms the $100 bill is real, leading Norma to push the button. Elsewhere, a woman is found dead, and Steward delivers the million dollars to the Lewises, retrieving the box.
Consequences and Investigations
Norma's father, Dick, investigates the dead woman's case and finds out she's Jeffrey's wife. Arthur gives Norma a prosthesis he made for her foot. At a rehearsal dinner, Arthur receives a similar box as a gift and finds a picture of Steward inside. Arthur asks Charles to investigate Steward's license plate. Steward warns Norma about the consequences of involving the police.
Strange Occurrences
Arthur confronts Charles about embarrassing Norma. Dana, Walter's babysitter, acts strangely and makes cryptic comments. Arthur finds an ID in her bag revealing her real name is Sarah Matthews. Dana warns Arthur it's not safe for him there. Guests at the motel stare at Dana, who has a board with information about the Lewis family. Arthur learns Dana lied about her identity, and Norma realizes Steward has "employees" monitoring them.
Unveiling the Truth
Arthur recognizes Steward from a Viking mission poster. Steward warns Norma about possible consequences again. Norma meets Steward, who claims he's been in communication with those that control lightning since he was struck by it. At the police station, Arthur learns the license plate belongs to an NSA car and connects Jeffrey's wife's death to when they pressed the button.
The Library
Norma is approached by a woman who tells her about the NSA and NASA's involvement, warning her not to trust anyone. Norma and Arthur go to the library, where they find a recording of the NASA hangar and Steward's press conference. Norma meets Steward, who discusses his disfigurement and her reaction to it. Arthur is led through a series of gateways, choosing one that transports him back to Norma.
Revelations and Preparations
Cahill meets with an NSA employee and learns about Steward's extraordinary capabilities after being struck by lightning. Steward explains his tests will decide the fate of humanity. The Lewis family attends Norma's sister's wedding, where they are followed by Steward's men. Arthur is confronted by Jeffrey, who reveals Steward's weakness and the control he has over agencies.
The Final Test
Jeffrey shows Arthur classified documents about Steward's weakness. Jeffrey reveals that Steward made him choose between his wife and daughter. Arthur and Norma are taken back to their home, where Steward presents them with a final test: Arthur must kill Norma to restore Walter's senses, or they can live with the money and a disabled son. Arthur shoots Norma, and another couple presses the button. Arthur is taken away by the NSA, and Cahill assures him Walter will be taken care of. Steward retrieves the box, ready to give it to someone new.
