This medium-length film (about an hour) belongs to a collection of six TV horror films called "Peliculas Para No Dormir", and was the first film in the collection that I saw. Spanish horror has given us good films, so I was curious to see what this film was going to be like. I was not disappointed, the film fulfills what it promises, but that does not mean that it is excellent.
The story is the main weakness, as it seems too far-fetched. Everything revolves around a young couple who are expecting a child and looking for a house to buy. They end up finding a good opportunity, but it is an old apartment, in an empty building in the middle of a decadent neighborhood that they don't even know. Shortly after starting to visit the apartment, the finding of some of their personal belongings there makes clear that something very strange is happening.
The film was directed by Jaume Balagueró, who is responsible for the "REC" franchise and "Mientras Duermes". Although the length is shorter than normal, the director has time to show what is worth. The script has a logical and coherent history but has a lot of very unlikely moments, like the fact that they don't know where they are but they had that address or, at least, the directions to get there. It does not make sense. The usual clichés in horror (rain, old places, a lunatic on the loose) are present but are well used and create a very pleasant tense atmosphere. I think the film loses strength and impact after 40 minutes because everything becomes obvious and predictable. Even so, and despite the relatively uninteresting ending, the film is pleasant. The cast is good, but it is totally unknown to me.
Technically, it is a very well made film. The gray, bland and low-contrast cinematography, in line with the torrential rain and thunder, creates an environment conducive to fear and suspense. The setting is marked by abandonment and neglect, meticulously well thought out with old furniture, torn wallpaper, broken glass and creaking doors. The special effects boil down to some fake blood and other discrete, yet effective and functional effects. The sound effects and incidental soundtrack also proved to be valuable.
