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Writer's pictureJustin Whippo

When Evil Lurks (2023)

My quick rating - 7.3/10. This flick plunges you into a harrowing and unforgettable horror experience, solidifying its place as a must-see for genre enthusiasts. Directed by Demian Rugna, this film masterfully blends traditional horror elements with innovative storytelling, resulting in a chilling and brutal cinematic journey. Set in a remote village, the story follows two brothers, Pedro (Ezequiel Rodriguez) and Jimmy (Demian Salomón), who discover a man infected with a demonic entity on the verge of "giving birth" to evil itself. Their desperate attempt to dispose of the body inadvertently unleashes a wave of chaos, setting off a chain reaction of terror that engulfs their entire community. One of the first things I noticed was the extraordinary makeup effects. The practical effects work is nothing short of astonishing, creating some of the most grotesque and horrifying images I have seen in recent horror cinema. The meticulous attention to detail in the makeup and prosthetics enhances the film's visceral impact, making the supernatural elements feel disturbingly real. The demon-infected man, in particular, is a nightmarish vision that will haunt you long after the film ends. This one absolutely doesn't shy away from brutality, delivering scenes that are both shocking and relentless in their intensity. This unflinching approach to horror is both a strength and a potential deterrent for some audiences. The violence is graphic and, at times, overwhelmingly brutal, but it serves to heighten the sense of dread and hopelessness that permeates the narrative. Rugna's direction is deft, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and foreboding. The remote village setting enhances the sense of isolation and vulnerability, trapping the characters in a nightmarish scenario with no easy escape. The sound design and score are equally effective, using eerie silences and unsettling noises to amplify the terror. The performances are solid across the board, with Rodriguez and Salomón delivering compelling portrayals of brothers caught in a desperate situation. Their actions and decisions, though sometimes questionable, are driven by a palpable fear and urgency that makes their plight all the more gripping. This movie excels in creating moments of pure terror, offering images that sear into your mind and refuse to fade. It has an uncanny ability to sustain a high level of suspense and horror throughout its runtime making it very recommendable. This flick is a testament to the power of practical effects and atmospheric storytelling in crafting horror that truly lingers.

You can catch this Shudder original on these streamers including Amazon.

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