When Evil Lurks (Review)
Just when I thought horror movies were slowing down for 2023, the most ruthless horror movie of the year is here. And I mean RUTHLESS. When Evil Lurks is a 2023 Spanish horror film written and directed by Demián Rugna. Right off the bat, the movie drips with dread and continues throughout its just over ninety minute runtime that is sure to leave jaws on the floors after viewing. Not only that, but it will leave you thinking for several hours.
In the film, the residents of a small rural town discover that a demon is about to be born among them. They desperately try to escape -- but it may be too late.
Let's start with the performances of the movie - the two leads of the film, Ezequiel Rodríguez and Demián Salomón are fantastic. Several scenes demand the actors to show great fear, especially Rodríguez as we watch these two brothers hustle to figure out how to stop this evil that is spreading like a virus throughout this town. Salomón is equally as good but his emotions really stand out as we round out the film's chilling third act. I am eager to see both of them in more movies in the future.
The story alone is pretty basic. It's nothing that we haven't seen before in other apocalyptic films. For example, we see a man hustle into his family's house saying they need to leave and get as far away as possible and then something happens before they could leave. It's been done before. However, the new idea comes from this demon being able to be born in people and animals, causing them to do harm to themselves or others and that is what amps up the suspense with this one.
I thought my ideas were messed up when I write screenplays...but seeing Demián Rugna's vision for this film had my head spinning. So many jaw-dropping moments are presented from sick possessed bodies that spurt green ooze to people killing themselves in some of the most vicious ways I have seen on screen in a long time. If you are looking for shock factor, this movie is for you.
Rugna's direction is stellar here also. Lots of nice camera angles and movements that emerge you fully into the terror. This was the first work I have seen from this filmmaker but I am already excited to see some more from him.
Finally, of course, we have to talk about the gore. The film is full of it. If you are a viewer that loves carnage candy then buckle up for this one because moments are going to leave you speechless. As I said above, I was thinking about this movie for hours afterward. Thinking it was the end of the shock value so early in the movie I was very much mistaken because the film just kept throwing surprises my way and I know will do so for others as well. If you are a squeamish viewer though, you may want to sit this one out.
In the end, When Evil Lurks is a great horror film. It's good thrills and chills, has a solid pace and stellar performances. It's everything you can want in a horror movie so don't miss this one.
