When Evil Lurks (2023) Poster

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8/10
The only demonic possession film worth watching in 2023
manuelasaez27 October 2023
This movie was insane!

After being legitimately scared watching Runga's previous film Atterados, I knew that his follow up would up the ante and be even more brutal without shying away from what other directors wouldn't even attempt to show, but even I was shocked at the brutality shown in this film. I mean, was it too much? Some of the scenes were jaw dropping. I've honestly never seen some of the stuff shown in this movie EVER in my 30+ years as a fan of horror movies, and I hope they go over well with the majority of the audience as this new bar that was set and raised simultaneously is extremely high.

If you think this a run of the mill demonic possession film, you would be sorely mistaken. There are no catholic priests or churches, no crosses or holy water, no head spinning or contortions (there is a little pea soup, but that's just because it's the easiest thing to feed someone who is comatose). There are no catholic demonic possession tropes to be found in this film, which is a HUGE breath of fresh air for one of the stalest subgenres in horror. It's a movie about demons possessing people like a virus, and they have their own set of rules as to how they are dealt with, and a very specific way of expelling them. Honestly, it's this type of fresh and novel approach to film making that makes Runga a standout where other movies seemed to fail so miserably (I'm looking at you, Exorcist; Believer). If more writers/directors took the time to take horror staples and twist them to make an original and unique creation, we would have a more vibrant and rich selection of horror movies.

The standout of this film aside from the superb acting and the terrifying score, was the carnage and gore (as in, the use of practical special effects over CGI). It all looked so REAL. That scene with the dog was absolutely monstrous, and I shook my head in disbelief that anyone would have the gonads to show something that intense in a film. The movie rarely lets up, and you will be treated to jaw drop after jaw drop. Really, it's a spectacle, and one that is best shared with others just to see and hear their reactions.

Overall, I couldn't recommend this film more if I tried. It's beautifully shot, well acted, the horror is intense and gore hounds will be pleased. It's original, it's fresh, it's dread induced as all get out. It's just a treat of a horror film and I urge anyone who loves the genre to see this movie. It deserves all of the success it will undoubtedly receive.
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8/10
Cancerous Evil
blatherskitenoir7 October 2023
A rare film which will satisfy both the gore hounds and the cerebral, this hidden gem is going to earn a cult following.

When Evil Lurks places us in a world where evil is so common place, it's become routine. Mundane and dismissible, this film explores the dangers of when people start to think bad things can only happen to other people, shared community and belief are lost, and the institutions put in place to protect us become complacent and disinterested.

The rules for safety are clearly stated, but watch as each character's downfall comes from the thoughtless certainty that they are the exception and nothing will come of *them* doing it, just this one time.

The unique demonic entities of this modern setting are alien to, yet play with, the tropes of just about every standard possession film: at once familiar and extremely inscrutable. Audiences are left to muddle through figuring things out as the protagonists do, and I strongly urge you to enter the film with as little knowledge as possible.

Good for when you want a little thought to your gore, or a lot of gore in your thought, are tired of stereotypical Catholic-based possession films, and those who enjoy well-executed worldbuilding. You can expect high production values (you can practically *smell* the Rotted through the screen) and a balance between the brutal shocks and the lingering creepies.

Those disturbed by the graphic harm of children or animals should steer clear.
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6/10
Tense horror movie with interesting premises that unfortunately does not deliver a satisfying ending.
fciocca22 December 2023
I enjoyed the premise of "When Evil Lurks", I think that it is an original possession story, that part ways with the usual stereotypes of this kind of horror. The evil takes over the lives of Jimi and Pedro slowly and painfully. The audience assists to this inevitable ascent of the darkness that multiple times outsmart the characters, despite all the precautions and strategies that they apply. The director took a realistic approach and some elements of the story are raw and credible. There is no unjustified over the top violence and no pointless jumpscares. The script takes the time to deepen the backstory of Pedro and his family, making him vulnerable and relatable to the eyes of the audience. The narration is fervid and there are many tense sequences that deliver some unexpected moments. This is in my opinion what made the first half great. Unfortunately the film starts to lose its appeal midway. All the tension that built up completely disappeared in the second part of the film. The protagonist takes impulsive decisions that have no logic and that will cost him dearly. In my opinion this goes against the nature of the character, that from the beginning constantly warns others how to kill the possessed, without contracting the curse. The ending is very dramatic and it leaves things open for a possible sequel (that most likely will not happen). Overall I liked the general concept of this film, but the director (who is also the screenwriter) made some decisions that prevented this film from achieving its true potential. "When Evil Lurks" could be one of the best 2023 horror movies, but unfortunately it only gets a 6. It is still a solid film, but I was expecting way better.
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7/10
A Horror that Hits Hard!
banderasvaduva-603226 October 2023
Seriously underrated movie. I watched the original version with Spanish subtitles, and in my opinion it is the best way to watch. Anyway, if you expected cruelty and horror prepare to not be disappointed because seriously, this movies delivers! With that being said, it does have it's lacks, first of all this is obviously meant to be the beginning of a franchise (you'll realize that after watching the cliffhanger ending), nonetheless, this small production Argentinian movie is not afraid to hurt anybody's feelings. What I can tell you for certain is that this is the best it gets, just don't expect the sequel to be half as good.
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7/10
Would recommend.
TreeFiddy531 April 2024
With horror films, you're usually used to an old haunted mansion, a group of people make a visit....at night, because why not... and they do a bunch of stuff they're not supposed to. This, widely acclaimed, 2023 Argentine supernatural film is your standard *dumb decisions* but in a different setting and with some reasoning behind these dumb decisions. At least that's what it seems to be after the first watch.

Plot - Residents of a remote village/town learn that something evil among them and if it's not handled right, the whole town will get destroyed.

I don't think this film is scary (subjective) but this will make you feel very uneasy. Don't watch this while eating, you'll thank yourself. In this genre, you can tell how certain scenes are going to play out? You feel the same in this one but also go "No, they won't be doing it. That's too jarring. No way." and boom! They do it anyway and make you go "I can't believe they went there!" and this 'shock' adds to the experiences of watching this film. There's more gore than I'd expect in a horror movie. No jump scares - so that's a plus in my books.

Despite the idiotic decision making, the film is surely different from your regular horror movies. It did leave me with several questions but I'd have recommended it anyway. The research led me to an interview by the director and his thought process behind the film it made me look at the film in a totally different light; helped answer some questions; some still left unanswered.

If you're a horror movie fan, I'd still recommend it for you. Keeping aside some dumb decisions, this offers something different that most other mainstream horror films don't.
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7/10
Undoubtedly a horror movie with terrific violences
pujamollick-4118816 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was good. The plot was good, The acting and the crew were awesome as well. The scenes of this movie is dangerously showed out and damn..The horror scenes,Even though I didn't understand the ending but overall, Ya'll can watch it to experience a new kind of plot and Horror.

It is rare that such a horrific tragic tale causes me to laugh out loud, but this did, and I wasn't mad. The lengths that the filmmakers go to shock the audience is darn near infinite. The use of children in the evil's plan is also rare. You'll understand when you watch. Makers didn't hesitated to create and show any scene unlike other horror movies where they leave it on audience's imagination. It's a must watch.
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8/10
Evil loves children and children love evil.
chand-suhas31 October 2023
This Argentinian gem narrates the story of Pedro who along with his brother Jaime comes across a rotten body of a man who is possessed by a demon. He is about to give birth to it and the brothers not only have to stop the birthing but also ensure not to kill the Kan as it might spread the possession. With the authorities refusing to help and a mistake leading to the spread, it is upto the brothers to safeguard their family and also stop the demon. Will they succeed forms rest of the story.

I already used the word "gem", so adding onto that, this is by far the best horror film to release this year and I thoroughly loved it. There is no time spent on believer and non-believer, as the story is established in such a way that the characters believe the scenario of an unborn demon about to get unleashed and that alone helps sell this story. The director doesn't waste any time in getting on with the story as the brothers discover the rotting man soon and hell breaks loose thereafter.

With constant supply of scares and gore even when the film is devoid of any jumpscares, as the narrative doesn't want to resort to such gimmicks. It's a run for survival rather than fight for survival till the final act and that works the best. By the tike the final act begins, the film throws in more surprises amidst the inevitable outcome. Kudos to the make up team as well, to help elevate those not easily digestible scenes. I liked the fact that the narrative held my attention from start to finish. For this, I would strongly recommend this as a must watch to everyone.
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6/10
Cool ideas, but way to many of them at once
HorrorJunkie19200010 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is a fun movie that is trying a lot of things at once. The only thing it does well, is 90% of the effects and gore. Im pretty sure thats what this movie is banking on to get some word of mouth going. However, there is no story, and very loose "horror movie rules"

The "rules" are stated at some point in the movie. But there are like 7 or so and I'd say half of them dont play any part in anything that happens.

*Big Spoilers* At the climax of the movie, theres a woman that is some kind of expert on this movies brand of demons. She is litteraly yelling at our main guy to not leave the room as per a demon childs advice. She litteraly yells "its a trap, dont leave the room". And then he leaves any way and the kids kill her imediantly and lock him in the other room... and he acts suprised... this kind of stuff makes for a fun laughable horror moment, and theres a lot of those in here. But this is in no way a good movie.

It gets 5 stars for the effects/gore and the laughs it gave me. But the acting is very questionable, the story/premise was not fleshed out enough, and its just got a few to many ideas making it somewhat of a mess.
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8/10
Frustrating and bloody brilliant
alphadude00729 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Don't pay heed to the negative reviews here questioning the main protagonists irrational decision making in the film. It is indeed frustrating, but that's in the film by design and not as a plot armour. The main protagonist is a loser, in fact it's his decision to play hero that kick starts this whole process of him destroying his family and everyone around. It is mentioned throughout the movie how much of a moron he is, trying to kill his autistic son and abandoning his family. So, yes, not surprised that he makes dumb decisions when faces with adversity. The movie can be linked to so many relevant social issues like corona, or the plague, or pollution etc. There is also enough gore and violence to keep you hooked. One of the best horror movies I have seen in recent times. Please give it a watch with an open mind.
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6/10
Why everyone has to be such an idiot
dikarevden11 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
OK - this is literally the first time I'm writing a review, and this is because I'm frustrated how they could spoil such a great movie potential with such imbecile characters. Everything that starts from arriving to the ex-wife house is an ethalone of idiocy. The main character screaming incessantly and not explaining anything in any comprehensible way, making one stupid move after another. He makes an impression of a man just pursuing the first thought that comes into his head- if I think run then I will run. So frustrating. At the same time the movie does give you good horror vibes, hence a 6. Just frustrating why would they ruin the plot with such idiocy. Is is worth watching? Yes. Just be prepared to cringe once in a while.
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8/10
Demián Rugna has created another masterpiece for the horror genre
kevin_robbins13 October 2023
I watched the Argentinian horror film 🇦🇷 When Evil Lurks (2023) at the theater tonight. The storyline revolves around a pair of brothers and their friend who come across a demon-possessed body and are determined to eliminate it to prevent the infection from spreading through the village. However, this task proves to be far more challenging than they initially anticipated.

Written and directed by Demián Rugna (Terrified), the film features Ezequiel Rodríguez (The Road), Luis Ziembrowski (The Rotten Link), Federico Liss (Wild Tales) and Demián Salomón (You Don't Know Who You're Talking To).

Demián Rugna once again displays his mastery in crafting a unique and refreshing horror film. The storyline of this picture is exceptional and reminded me of Talk to Me in terms of plot, intensity, suddenness and shocking violence. The film delivers an array of incredible and relentless sequences that are both shocking and brutal. The kills are filled with gore, blood splatter, and unrelenting ruthlessness. The scenes involving the goat and children pickup at mother's house are a dream come true for horror enthusiasts. While the ending is somewhat open-ended, it works effectively.

In conclusion, Demián Rugna has created another masterpiece for the horror genre. I would rate it an 8-8.5/10 and strongly recommending it.
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6/10
Not as good as people say it is
andrew-warren-8275927 October 2023
This movie didn't live up to the critic and fan praise after going in knowing it would be a different movie and giving it plenty of generous leeway on quality and expectations. The first 40 minutes are solid, but it often fails to execute. After that the movie drags and drags on with many dull moments that never pay off, or provide a thought provoking ending such as gems like Suspiria 2018, Neon Demon, Drive, etc. Characters make predictably dumb decisions as usual to drive a plot forward.

This is a filmmaker with potential, and a great influence for future Spanish horror. However, I believe this film was given too much credit and acclaim because it wasn't held to such high standards as other horror films. After leaving the film, you may try to grasp onto a theme or message, but the ending is not one to impress. I'm glad I waited to watch this on Shudder vs traveling 2 hours to a theater. This falls in line with the many IFC films I find interesting and unique, but fail to be entertaining or interesting enough to maintain attention. Be careful and don't go in with expectations set by people raving about the film.
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4/10
Solid start, which unfortunately goes nowhere
OnlyGrit5 November 2023
The movie stars with a great sense of mystery, minimal dialogues which only builds up the somber. But then it downright starts to fall flat. The characters start to scream and shout - clearly some actors overacted. The protagonist acts like a true simpleton throughout the movie. It feels like even a dumb person won't make lame mistakes as he does.

This movie is unique and different though. It doesn't try to copy any other horror movies out there and creates its own horror subgenre. There was significant potential with quality writing and direction.

Unfortunately, what we get is a actually a rotten piece of dish that might have appeared okay but is just not consumable.
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6/10
Good movie ruined by the ending
gaarauzumaki_99224 December 2023
I was ready to recommend this movie to all my friends until I saw the last 10 minutes of it.

Those last 10 minutes ruined the movie for me. A typical example of the cliche trope of the main character making the worst possible choice even though he knows better, but the movie plot needs to happen so he has to do the worst thing imaginable which does not suit the character at all.

So if you can stomach a trash ending, then I recommend this movie to you. It has really good moments, but again, be prepared to have one of the most unsatisfying movie endings in any horror movie to date.

A shame really.
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6/10
Complicated and unnecessary rules to follow.
maelmathes31 October 2023
I was able to perfectly understand Dark, but not this movie. I love the folklore stories but, the thing that makes the horror a huge success is the possibility that is a thing that actually might happen. In this movie you are going to see great especial effects, but also a complicated set of rules to follow, a song, 7 laws, a complicated artefact, possession, zombies, cannibalism, human mind control, animal mind control... The first half of the movie is great. After that is a down fall from there. I put six for the effort, because doesn't makes any sense. Lacking motivation and conduct thread. Sometimes less is more.
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7/10
Great movie- on THIS budget omg
wross01218 October 2023
Ok.

I love old school horror movies that don't rely on BS jump scares and CGI.

This movie isn't perfect.

In the second half you may notice some plot contradictions like I did. And yet every actor gave it their all.

This is a new take on possession horror.

The pacing is perfect.

It's really hard to not put spoilers in the review because some of them might convince you to watch this!

As a southern American surrounded by churches of all types, and having known many Catholics, this take is refreshing. In a messed up way lol.

I won't say this is a 10/10 movie. BUT. If you're tired of the same old gore Schlick then this is for you. I appreciate the actors giving their all even though the screenplay isn't perfect. Hope you don't like dogs.
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8/10
Total and Complete Chaos
thesar-228 October 2023
I know it's blasphemy, but I LOVED this possession horror movie way more than 1973's The Exorcist.

Yes, I know. I'm in the 4% who doesn't prop The Exorcist up as the greatest horror movie ever made. I just recently watched that now-50-year-old movie only for the 2nd time and unbelievably, my rating dropped for it. (I explained IN DETAIL why in my review, so seek and find that for my thoughts.)

This one gets RIGHT to the action with NO time spared. Immediately, you're thrust into the action and world-building. And let me get this straight: while I'm not fully understanding the ending at this point (I REALLY need to watch one of those "Ending Explained" YouTube commentators to fully grasp this finale,) I absolutely loved this tense, suspenseful and most of all, ORIGINAL tale of possession. Talk about NOT being spoon-fed this plot to the audience. You're gonna have to piece this one on your own.

When Evil Lurks tells the tale of two brothers who will stop at nothing to protect their family and hopefully village/friends from an evil, travelling spirit hellbent on corrupting their isolated village, friends, family and livestock. Much like The Thing invading, how will they stop this threat before all their loved ones...or the WORLD...is demonized?

I haven't seen such a bold, in your face, right-away horror that demands your attention and put the pieces together yourself in such a long time. You are in the almost-the-same shoes as these characters with trying solve the riddle and save everyone involved. And the fact that no one is safe while you try and solve this riddle, including children, you better act fast.

I loved this movie even without fully understanding the ending for now. Either those "Ending Explained" YouTube vids will open my eyes, or I'll do it on my own from future revisits. With any route, Director/Writer Demián Rugna did an EXCELLENT job of opening a new door of horror.

***

Final Thoughts: YES, this movie is from Argentina and has subtitles. Suck it up. Some of the best horror films are outside the system. Especially serious horror.
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6/10
6.4/10. Overrated
athanasiosze22 January 2024
This is not an enjoyable movie. There are "fun to watch" horror movies and there are scary horror movies that bring you nightmares, sort to speak. WHEN EVIL LURKS does neither of these things.

There are a lot to like here though. This movie has "identity", it is original and creative. It has nothing to do with a typical possession movie and i respect that. Rugna tries something different here, he is definitely a very capable director/writer and his previous movie scared the hell out of me. WEL is totally insane. During the first 40 minutes i was on the edge of my seat. This is very interesting, hence the 6 stars. But the second part fell flat. Nothing made sense. Characters were taken the dumbest decisions, and at some point, i didn't care for anyone of them. If you can't empathize with the characters of a horror movie, then this movie is a failure, we are suppose to root for them and share their anxiety. As it was progressing, i was getting detached. Too bleak and sad, too, i mean, there is not a single beacon of hope from the beginning to the end. There are many horror fans who like that kind of stuff, i am not a big fan but i can appreciate it. For example, ATERRADOS was a very good horror movie.

This is so insane and outrageous that it makes you think at times it's a comedy/horror or a horror movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. During the first part, it worked, the dog scene is bone chilling. But it gets tiring as it unfolds. The ending supposedly is devastating. I didn't feel a thing, i was just glad it ended.
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10/10
I don't understand why everyone is so confused on the ending
georgeadamsiv3 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It's an amazing movie about a post apocalyptic world where demons are being reborn in cities and that a rotten has been found in this once small rural town. The ending is straightforward in my opinion in that his rage overcame him and he kills the Rotten to free the demon. The demon marks him as his follower but leave him with his own free will to punish him. The demon walks off with the children to roam the world and cause chaos and is done with tormenting Pedro and his family. When he gets home he find out his younger son was killed by the mother the night before and the elder son has eaten the grandmother in the meantime. It's easy to understand and at its surface is a very devastating ending. I see a lot of comments giving bad ratings because of an unfinished or confusing ending... I don't think that is the case here and that everything we needed to know is resolved. This movie is very refreshing and I loved every minute of it. That dog scene was hard to watch too 😬.
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6/10
Great Concept
blues99814 November 2023
Without divulging spoilers, this film contains some of the best concepts I've seen in a horror film recently. It's the execution of the concepts that was a little off (along with the murderous executions). The first half is definitely superior to the second half, as you get drawn into the stylistic choices, especially those car scenes and a scene with a goat and a ravenous dog. If the film kept that same level of intensity it would've been a 10 for me. But I understand the choices made and why they were made. (Read: budget and production and development meetings). But it's definitely one of the most interesting horror films you'll see and deserving of taking it to a whole...nother...level.
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8/10
there's no point in praying
exlana27 October 2023
Right off the bat, not even 10 minutes into the film Cuando acecha la maldad (When Evil Lurks) hook us into, what i first i thought, is a body horror. And oh boy, they really don't shy away from the violence and gore. It's amazing that even with the 'shocking' beginning, this film manage to gets even progressively gruesome.

It's well acted (shout out Ezequiel Rodríguez ), beautiful cinematography, an overall well-made film with a sprinkle of poignant family drama. Though it's a genuinely scary film, it's noticeably flawed. It weirdly paced, (which i personally don't mind). At times, It can be somewhat unclear of what's really going on as we learn the 'rules' as the film goes.

But despite its fuzzy script, WEL is still a decent film with some nice twists and definitely one of the better horror films of the year. I watched Demián Rugna 's interview on how he tried to push the limit of what could happened in horror films, and i think he did it in this film.

8/10.
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6/10
Rotten to the Core...
Xstal13 November 2023
There's this guy who's now possessed and there'll be trouble, as he's taken on the form beelzebubble, a little larger than he'd like, with a stench that makes a strike, and I'm not sure that his mother wants a cuddle. He's affecting how the others act, behave - most usually they'll end up in a grave, that's after they've caused panic, once they've gone a little manic, with sharp things they take a body, and engrave. There are rules you need to heed if you engage, if you don't you will not live to an old age, and there are those who know the ways, to curtail devious days, but to be honest, they are not riven with sage.
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4/10
Well shot, but bad
highwingremnants30 October 2023
It's a shame this didn't turn out better, because the movie is trying to be different than the usual horror. It's just not very good at being different. It's really well shot, and there are some key moments that are really good and would have been memorable moments in a better film.

The film falls down most heavily on narrative. Early on, you will start to wonder if this movie was adapted from a comic or something, since the silly dialogue has that overwrought feeling: self-serious but daft. Once you've been introduced to the collective noun usage of "rotten", the film slowly drips more jargon and symbolism until it starts to fill in the history of its world. You can tell that they decided against putting this exposition upfront because they thought it was be more sophisticated to have the characters reveal it at the gradual pace with which you might mention past events in normal conversation, but you can't wring sophistication from a story like this. Everyone is apparently aware of the enormous supernatural threat, but it hasn't changed the world one bit.

The other giant failing is those very people. With the exception of two women who try to warn idiots not to do the idiotic things that everybody knows not to do, everybody is incredibly stupid. The film's protagonist, Pedro, is hands-down the stupidest character ever to appear in a horror film. I don't care who just popped into your head in a challenge to me saying that; there is no halfwit teenager in the crudest slasher who even comes close to the stupidity of Pedro. It is impossible to care about him because he is so detestably dim. Evil does not need to conquer a world that contains Pedro, for it is already lost.

This is a frustrating film. It shows so much potential and throws it away.
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7/10
Most Avoidable - In any Horror movie:
bionictheboss6 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I'd like to start by addressing the absolutely amazing take on possession and the stunning gore visuals and shock factor - the practical effects are amazing.

The entire concept of possessed people recognised by the government to the point where u have specialised people to hand dispensing them and systems and protocols to prevent possession growth and dear is great. The cliff hanger of what happens now ? With the birth of a demon - is amazing. Loved it - left me wanting so much more.

Problems - I have never ever in my entire life apart from a possible of handful of movies that have had the most avoidable deaths and evil ending ever. Number 1 being that scene from King Kong where one of the soldiers walks up to the monster clutching grenades in his hand in order to save his friends - gets launched a mile a away and explodes on a cliff. Lol

This film had back to back just avoidable death after avoidable death - I sat there jaw dropped - it felt like the characters actions were almost entirely mutually independent, i.e regardless of what has previously happened they simply do not learn anything ...... at all......ever.... Like I know they're meant to be farmers, but they're not stupid. You'd think that after finding out that after you moved a possessed puss sack that your friend and his pregnant wife is dead - that something is most probably happening. You'd think that after watching ur ex wife and her new child getting destroyed by a 4x4 you'd start listening to the literal demon slayer ? You'd think that you'd listen to anyone ever - the protagonist or more like antagonist considering he kills everyone around him and possibly dooms humanity - is the most insufferable person ever - if anyone started observing obvious supernatural demonic behaviour you'd think that maybe they'd start listening to the literal mage that knows everything about it but no .... No ... he ... does .... Not .... He literally travels around the entire county infecting everyone every where. He killed his mother, by involving her, he killed his children by involving them, he killed the mage by not listening to her for maybe the 100th time and yeah he sucks:

Let me just add; I am aware that these people are sceptics and have the collective IQ of a mangled twig, but at the same time - it's not that hard.

Avoidable death 1: after Ruiz literally finds out there's a possessed on his farm and being well aware of the rules of no fire arms - he proceeds to kill a possessed goat. Even when his wife was telling him don't do it. His actions get him, his wife and his unborn child killed.

Avoidable death 2: the wife getting destroyed by the 4x4 I think 99% of deaths of this film wouldn't have happened if instead of everybody's default communication being yelling immediately and disregarding all and every bit of advice regardless of the abundance of obvious evidence plaguing the main characters and just went, "you know what, I don't know what's going on, maybe I should listen". Everyone would be alive.

Avoidable death 3: when Arriving at the literal deman slayers house - instead of expressing the information they knew i.e: saw my wife get killed and she called me on the phone, saw a possessed puss sack - everyone who's been involved has killed themselves, etc etc. They disclose limited to know information. In fact they actually dismiss the mages questions and say "yeah probs nothing, don't know what we saw lol", even tho they defo did, and it's obvious what's happening here. The lack of information giving and also just general questioning from the protagonists to the made result in the child been abducted and subsequently eaten.

Avoidable death 4: leaving grandma home alone with a child who's possessed. Why. Why. When they left grandma alone with his autistic child who we found was possessed I was like...... wait they actually left her there. What did u expect.

Avoidable death 5: the death of mage in the last scene was absolutely wild. She said several time - she is lying. He did not listen, he has no reason to not listen to this woman like it was gospel. Everything she said was correct. She's an expert in the field and she's explaining exactly everything he needs to do - he's almost reluctant to listen to her at every turn. I understand being sceptical, but it goes back to this whole mutually independent thing, of how even though the main characters have seen so many ridiculous things, they are still reluctant to believe the person who's been right about everything.

Finally my only other issue with this is - this is a governmentally recognised pandemic with protocols health service responses and clean up crews. It's only been going on for 12 years. Why are people so inept and so uneducated on a topic that seems massively relevant. Anyone you know could be possessed - I'd be looking over my shoulder every day.

It's also not like this was some long forgotten ancient order that has been lost to legend and time - it's been 12 years - and yes I know maybe nobody has seen one IRL, but are you telling me that not a single news report or prior teachings have been said: you'd thing the government would have laminated sheets in every educational, health and anywhere really of the 7 bloody rules - you'd teach that in primary school - instead nobody seems to know anything - makes little to no sense. Also the lack of government reasons for one of the most deadly pandemics ever - all it takes is for one person to get infected anywhere and the entire country is doomed - guy gets infected in the country side - drives into town - kidnaps a child and now u got 2 - they're unidentifiable from others and if u kill then with a gun anyone near u gets immediately infected and they infect animals.

Overall makes 0 sense:
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6/10
Overhyped
cutie_pame1 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was definitely overhyped.

It wasn't bad but it wasn't amazing either. It is definitely worth a watch. The main character literally lacked common sense. Most of the characters in this movie actually lacked common sense. I feel like they just keep trying to push your button to yell at the screen.

There is ONE scene that was actually creepy/scary. You will have to watch to see it for yourself.

The ending was terrible. You have this mc with anger issues that does exactly what he wasn't supposed to do but SOMEHOW survives through the whole movie. Like what?!

It would've also been nice to hear more on the backstory of the possession or as they call it, "rotten". The mc's mom mentioned a little bit about it in the car ride but that was about it.

Overall, the movie is worth a one time watch. The possession not as plain as Exorcist: Believer.
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