Nocturna: La noche del hombre grande

Every once in a while a film comes along that transcends genre and Nocturna (Side A) is that film.

One scene can capture the darkest nightmares and in the same frame deliver heart-wrenching sorrow, form following function and imagery working to strengthen a theme that touches all - genre fan or no - skilfully reaching into the many different realms of horror storytelling and pulling out the most compelling elements. The result is a truly fantastic piece of cinema.

Taking place in a single night and location, Nocturna (Side A) follows Ulysses (Pepe Soriano) on his last evening on earth as he is forced to face the grief and regret cultivated over his nearly hundred-year lifespan. Through artistically unique storytelling and stunning cinematography, director Calzada seamlessly captures the loneliness inherent to the final moments of life. Ulysses is visited by the ghosts of lost souls trapped in his apartment building as well having to confront the realization that his quickly deteriorating mind is a roadblock to asking forgiveness from those he has wronged.

Soriano's performance as Ulysses elevates the film to something beyond typical genre fare, the viewer witness to his confusion, angst, and fear through close-up shots of eyes that have seen too much. Seasoned with a gorgeous score and cleverly placed scares his woe is palpable, but there also remains a steady hope as he shuffles from room to room, trying to make sense of his failing memory and the eerie things that are taking place.

By turns an outstanding meditation on solitude and sadness, a portrait of end-of-life reflection and the devastation of realizing that we are all alone in the end, Nocturna (Side A) is a must see for anyone who has ever questioned the futility of life and the value of love.

Jerry Sampson

Content writer for Ghouls Magazine, Rue Morgue, Scream Mag.

On the last night of an elderly man's life we witness through flashbacks how he came to be in such a bleak state. Pepe Soriano is brilliant as Ulises, the old man who is losing his memory but not his regrets.

There are several chilling moments although not what you would typically expect in a horror. The horror is more of a quiet type, but does play on a fear that most of us have, of growing old and struggling to take care of ourselves and wishing that we could go back to right our wrongs.

This is literally one of the best films I have ever seen.

I don't consider this a horror movie which is the only reason I didn't give this a 10/10. I thought the depictions of the supernatural were very moving and have basis in people's reports of real ghost encounters, not exploitative like a horror movie at all. The only thing that even seems embellished or fictitious is how visually and clearly all of the spirits are depicted to reflect their inner workings.

The Great Old Man's Night made me cry. Repeatedly. But there are also very beautiful and even mildly humorous moments in the film, along with some dark moments.

I can't think why this is considered a thriller or a mystery or a horror story. It is none of these. Instead, it is a beautiful heartfelt and very, very moving story about Love and Loss. Be Sure to have your Kleenex handy if you watch this. A true master work at cinema. Devastating emotionally. You won't soon forget it.

I gave this film two thumbs up because it kept my attention engaged and there weren't dull moments involved in anyway. It's definitely one of those films that I would recommend because the acting was good. The overall production was very well and the storyline was original in its own unique way. The beauty in independent films is shown when the entire cast and crew believes in the project. So those that have the type of interest in the subject you should definitely take a look at it and see how it affects you. Kudos to the cast and crew, job well done and I would definitely recommend this film to this who are junkies of the genre.