A young Anna Kendrick shines in this creepy horror/thriller episode. First, let me say I love Anna Kendrick. She is one of my all-time favorite actors, and I was excited to find out that she started in an episode of this show. And honestly, she didn't disappoint. Here, Anna Kendrick plays Shelby Johnson, a young high school student living with her single father. When Shelby's friend Becca suggests they have a séance, Shelby shows her how to make a Spirit Box, which is basically an Ouija Board on a Pizza. As the two girls play with the spirit box, Emily D'Angelo, a dead schoolgirl who speaks to her classmates from beyond the grave. She reveals that she was murdered, and she wants her friends' help to seek revenge. Even though this was made before she was famous, Anna Kendrick gives a stellar performance. The script really makes you care for Shelby, and I was rooting for her to succeed. Shelby is a headstrong and determined
young woman. At the same time, she is also flawed and vulnerable. These characteristics make her a really complex and sympathetic character. Also, having her be a swimmer was a nice touch. Anna Kendrick may be short, but her legs are perfect ;) and honestly, she is beautiful in every shot. In addition to Anna, the story itself is pretty interesting, and the episode does a good job of pulling the viewer into the narrative. There are a few good scares here and there, but it wasn't too over the top. Of course, there are a few horror clichés, but I feel like there is something to be expected, especially when it is only a 45-minute show. My only complaints are that the relationship between Shelby and her father should've been more fleshed out and that the ending was kind of lame and predictable. But other than that I really enjoyed it. It is worth watching, if nothing else, to see Anna Kendrick's performance in one of her lesser-known roles.