Sometimes an act as simple as pushing a button can lead to irreversible consequences, and in the case of “The Box,” one that could be deadly, too.

Taken from Richard Matheson’s (“I Am Legend”) 1970 short story “Button, Button” (which was adapted for TV in one of the episodes of “Twilight Zone”), this highly cerebral—and all too perplexing—film will not only make noses bleed but just might also cause brains to pop.

The year is 1976: English teacher Norma (Cameron Diaz) and NASA scientist Arthur (James Marsden) Lewis, a couple from Richmond, Virginia, receives an unadorned package containing a black box with a red button on top, protected by a glass dome. A card came with the package telling them that a certain "Mr. Steward" will meet them at around 5 p.m. the same day. He arrives, but his face—a chunk of which is freakishly missing—is not very welcoming.

"Mr. Steward" makes them an offer: Dare push the button, get a million dollars. Of course, there is a catch—by doing so, someone somewhere in the world will die.

If they refuse, a 100-dollar dividend will be eked out to both (not bad for a clear conscience, eh?) and the offer will be made to someone else.

And, no, they can't call the police, as it would break "the deal" and consequences will ensue.

Financial crisis and impulse prompted the limping Norma to push the button. When they received their cash prize, however, their conscience began to haunt them. So Arthur went to investigate.

The film carries this compelling premise: Can a person set aside his selfish desires for the common good? And will his self-indulgent quest for power ever cease?

The grip of the story, which was also written by director Kelly, is not tight enough to keep a hold on viewers even as detail after detail gets piled up, leaving one utterly confused and frustrated.

Some attempts at shock and awe were also reduced into brilliant comedic skits, such as in the "library scene" when Arthur was being followed by Mr. Steward’s “employees.” Check it out.

Another is that "do-or-die moment" when he was asked to choose from which "liquid portal" he would save himself. Incredulously funny, if there is such a thing.

It’s kind of strange to see Cameron in a movie like this, maybe because we are so used to her being so goofy and perky on her previous films such as “My Best Friends’ Wedding,” “There’s Something About Mary” and “Charlie’s Angels.”

Yes, you can't really score her for trying on a different role; she is an actress, after all… but why this? Plus, there’s the inconsistent and awkward Southern accent.

James, on the other hand, seemingly rises above the occasion, proving his charm and versatility as an actor.

Another actor, James' “Superman Returns” co-star, Frank, has this grim kind of aura that really worked well for his role. If only his character was given more depth.

“The Box” is a grandiose attempt to fit in more than one genre. Contrary to its title, it clearly didn’t want to be “boxed” in. While it has a message hidden inside somewhere, somehow, the viewer would have to endure a lot of headaches first to see, if only, a tiny glimmer of its "highly important and significant" implications.

Bottom line? An intellectual exercise, which ultimately makes for a difficult ethical meditation.

Released internationally in 2009, “The Box” opens exclusively in Glorietta 4 and Greenbelt 3 cinemas on March 10.