What's In The Box? GIFs Explained

What's in the box? GIF, a popular internet meme, humorously showcases the suspense and surprise of opening a package. It often features characters reacting with shock, delight, or confusion to the contents. This viral phenomenon taps into universal themes of anticipation and revelation, making it a relatable and shareable form of online expression.

Key Takeaways

• The "What's in the box?" GIF originates from the 1995 film Se7en, where it signifies a dark, shocking reveal.
• Modern usage has evolved, often employing the GIF ironically or humorously to express surprise or anticipation in everyday situations.
• These GIFs are widely used on social media, forums, and messaging apps to add emotional context to online conversations.
• The effectiveness of a "What's in the box?" GIF relies on its cultural context and the viewer's understanding of the original scene or its parodies.
• Creating or sharing these GIFs involves understanding copyright and fair use principles, especially if using clips from copyrighted material.

Introduction

The phrase "What's in the box?" has transcended its cinematic origins to become a widely recognized internet meme, particularly in the form of GIFs. These short, looping animations capture a moment of intense anticipation, often followed by a dramatic or humorous reveal. While the original context was dark and disturbing, the GIF has been reappropriated for a myriad of online interactions, from expressing excitement about a new purchase to sarcastically highlighting an anticlimactic outcome. This article delves into the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of the "What's in the box?" GIF, exploring how it functions as a tool for communication in the digital age. — El Centro, CA Zip Code: Everything You Need To Know

What & Why: The "What's in the Box?" GIF

At its core, the "What's in the box?" GIF is a visual shorthand for suspense, surprise, and the often-unpredictable nature of reveals. The primary source of this meme is a pivotal and shocking scene from the 1995 David Fincher film Se7en. In this scene, the character Detective John Doe (Kevin Spacey) forces Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt) to ask the now-infamous question before revealing a gruesome discovery. The original intent was to evoke horror and psychological distress.

However, the power of the internet lies in its ability to remix and recontextualize. The "What's in the box?" GIF has been liberated from its grim origins and repurposed to convey a much broader spectrum of emotions and situations. People use it to: — Southwest Capital Highway Exit Guide

• Express genuine excitement and anticipation: Think of someone waiting for a package delivery, a new product launch, or the results of a competition.
• Convey humorous shock or disbelief: This could be anything from a funny online purchase to an unexpected outcome in a game.
• Create ironic or sarcastic commentary: The GIF can be used when the reveal is mundane, disappointing, or the opposite of what was expected.
• Engage in playful banter: Friends might use it to tease each other about secrets or surprises.

The widespread adoption of this GIF speaks to its effectiveness in communicating complex emotional responses quickly and viscerally. It taps into a universal human experience: the moment before a revelation, where anything is possible.

How-To: Using and Finding "What's in the Box?" GIFs

Leveraging the "What's in the box?" GIF in your online communications is straightforward. The key lies in understanding the context in which you want to use it.

1. Finding the Right GIF:

• GIF Databases: Websites like Giphy, Tenor, and Gfycat are the primary repositories for GIFs. Simply search for terms like "what's in the box," "Se7en," "Brad Pitt box," or "surprise reveal."
• Contextual Search: Think about the specific emotion you want to convey. Searching for "excited what's in the box" or "shocked what's in the box" might yield more tailored results.
• Film Clips: Many GIFs are direct clips from Se7en. You might find variations showing Brad Pitt's character reacting, or even the moment the box is presented.

2. Incorporating GIFs into Platforms:

• Social Media: Most platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram Stories) have built-in GIF search functionalities within their comment or post creation tools.
• Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack also integrate GIF search, allowing you to easily insert them into conversations.
• Forums and Blogs: Many web forums and blog comment sections allow image uploads, where you can paste a link to a GIF or upload the file directly.

3. Choosing the Right Moment:

• Anticipation: Use it when someone is about to reveal something important or when you are eagerly awaiting news.
• Surprise: Deploy it immediately after an unexpected event or announcement.
• Humor/Irony: Employ it when the reveal is underwhelming or comically absurd.

Example Scenario: Your friend posts, "I finally got that vintage video game I've been hunting for!" You might reply with a GIF of Brad Pitt's character looking intensely at the box, captioned "OMG, what's in it?!" — Serbia Vs. Albania: Where To Watch The Match

Important Note on Creation: If you're considering creating your own GIF from a video clip, be mindful of copyright. While transformative use (like creating a meme) often falls under fair use, using clips without permission can be problematic. Stick to using GIFs found on reputable platforms, which generally manage licensing appropriately for meme usage.