Cuando acecha la maldad

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.