Performance & Direction: 1408 Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is 1408 (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and 1408 features a noteworthy lineup led by John Cusack . Supported by the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Mary McCormack , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: 1408
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2007, 1408 is a Horror, Mystery film directed by Mikael Håfström. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Cusack.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A man who specializes in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror. Director Mikael Håfström uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. John Cusack's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: 1408
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Mikael Håfström, 1408 concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving John Cusack, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of 1408 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch 1408?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of John Cusack or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: 1408
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $133.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
1408 Budget
The estimated production budget for 1408 is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: 1408
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Where to Watch 1408 Online?
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YouTube1408 Parents Guide & Age Rating
2007 AdvisoryWondering about 1408 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of 1408 is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, 1408 is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2007 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1408 worth watching?
1408 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find 1408 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for 1408 identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of 1408?
The total duration of 1408 is 104 minutes, which is approximately 1h 44m long.
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How 1408 Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for 1408
Dolphin Sandwich. 1408 is based on one of horror writer Stephen King's short stories. It stars John Cusack as a supernatural investigator who rents room 1408 at The Hotel Dolphin in New York. It is said to be a most haunted room and the scene of many deaths. He soon finds his scepticism tested to the max. Although it has deep themes of grief et al, this essentially boils down to one man in a room being plagued by psychological and physical attacks, with the intended chills and shocks surreal in presentation. It's all very twisty and big on conundrums, which makes a second viewing something of a necessity, whilst Cusack's performance is also reason to check in for another viewing. However, it's not the scary movie some have lauded it as, in fact it's more fun-house palaver than anything terrifying, but there's no doubting the intelligence and skill of the writing. The mind is a curious, wonderful and troubling thing, and 1408 wants us to know it. 6/10
Great watch, would watch again, and can recommend. While the setup is a little bleh, it serves a point, but I could literal start the movie at Samuel L. Jackson's office and be fine. Once in 1408, the intensity creeps perfectly. It really gives you the atmosphere of a cat playing with its food. It'll mess your head a little, but that's just from a great John Cusack delivery and wonderful cinematic display. And the ending is almost perfect: the are two minors points that could be bad, but they're unclear. As the manager said, "It's and evil room.
The storyline and basis of the movie is kind of dumb. It is entertaining though with a lot of weird and crazy stuff happening in room 1408.
(Watched the Theatrical version) 1408 is a solid psychological horror that pulls you into its dark and twisted world. John Cusack does an amazing job as Mike Enslin, a skeptic writer dealing with supernatural horrors while battling his own guilt over losing his daughter. His performance really makes the movie—he sells the fear, grief, and madness perfectly. That said, the endings are what really stood out for me. The theatrical version felt too neat and safe. Sure, it wraps things up nicely, but for a movie this dark, it needed something heavier. The director’s cut hit harder—it’s bleak and sticks with you. The haunting moment with his daughter fit the tone of the movie so much better. It kept the unsettling vibe that should linger after a film like this. The production was great too. The way the room constantly changes and traps you with Mike was done so well, keeping you on edge the whole time. Overall, I enjoyed it, but the director’s cut is the real winner for me. It keeps the dark, disturbing feel that a movie like this needs.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.












