Apr 18, 2014 By Lou Gaul correspondent 2 min read

In the intense fright film “Oculus,” mirrors reflect images that will have some viewers covering their eyes and perhaps thinking about a quick exit.

That would please talented director/co-writer/editor Mike Flanagan (“Absentia,” which he made for $70,000).

In the disturbing chiller, which stars Katee Sackhoff (“Battlestar Galactica”) and Karen Gillan (“Doctor Who”), a sister seeks to prove that a supernatural force, not her brother, was responsible for a murder.

The intensity of the R-rated film never lessens, which is exactly what Flanagan desired.

“We didn’t want to diffuse the tension,” the 35-year-old Flanagan said via telephone during a Philadelphia publicity stop for “Oculus,” now in theaters. “We wanted to put a foot on your throat through the running time.”

Mission accomplished.

According to editor-turned-director Flanagan, “Oculus” (the title is Latin meaning circular openings in a wall) echoes films such as “The Exorcist,” “The Shining” and “The Strangers.”

Producer Jason Blum, who also participated in the interview, agreed that horror films remain popular due to their energy.

“People love the horror genre,” Blum said. “It (watching one) is like a rush. They are with us forever.”

Trevor Macy, another producer, believes creating horror films appeals to young filmmakers trying to break into the business because the costs of making a movie have plummeted.

“My advice is that you don’t wait for permission (from a studio to make a film),” Macy said. “You can make a movie on your phone and shoot it in your apartment. Attention to character and story is what counts.”

“I think we live in exciting (artistic) times, because technology makes it easy to make a movie,” Flanagan said. “On the other hand, you have such an influx of films that this makes storytelling more important than ever.”