Errementari

Saying this is my first Basque movie probably lacks impact since there are so few of them, but if this is what to expect from them then sign me up for more.

Yet another Netflix original it tells the story of a reclusive blacksmith who imprisons the demon he deems responsible for much of his misery.

It is arguably a dark fairytale, it looks the part, it sounds the part and the cast are fantastic. I had no idea what to expect going in but am certainly happy that I ended up giving it a chance.

It's very hard to categorize Errementari as it has fantasy roots but plays out much like a horror. It's grim, it's dark, its pretty unforgiving yet it has its heart in the right place and doesn't lose atmosphere in favor of needless impact. It has themes with religion, sacrifice and loss, which makes it even more fascinating and relatable.

It had me gripped early, partially because there simply isn't enough of this type of movie out there. It's deep, it's rich and I really enjoyed it. Sure it's not without its flaws, but nothing can take away from it's originality and overwhelming charm.

Good job!

The Good:

Looks great

Truly stands out from everything else on Netflix

The Bad:

Certain things are ridiculous and unexplained

Should have been a tad longer

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

Thin twigs don't make for the most intimidating weapons

Dolls are immortal and cannot be killed by mere decapitation

We need more movies like this!

I like this one! It's very well done and makeup is excelent! It's horror with a great sense of black humor!

What a great find I stumbled on. So refreshing to watch a film, which does not have to rely on big budgets and flashy special effects. Simply a great piece of story-telling, like watching a live theatre show.

A few days ago I stumbled across this film, I expected nothing but it looked interesting and so I gave it a watch. What I got was a well told Basque folktale, that whilst not impressive acting or some visuals (although for such a small budget, even though goofy, the practical effects are really well done) but impressed me is how unique the story is. You get a sense of morality vs religion, which was especially important In the 19th Century of where this film is set. All in all, its a very entertaining movie, you get an interesting story that gives some damn good Horror Fantasy elements that were often gripping.

The thing is, the movie is interesting, especially if you're interested in mythology or movies like the Witch (2016) or Pan's Labyrinth. Whilst not as good as those two, especially in the acting at points, I was definitely entertained. Good movie to watch during the lead up to Halloween. It may not be a film that needs in-depth analysis, I'm not going to spoil anything because that would ruin the experience for you but give it a watch. I was personally mixed on the film, I enjoyed it a lot but some elements were underwhelming. Looking for a foreign folk tale, this movie is probably for you, it'd recommend it, there's some great vision here, come in with an open mind and you won't be disappointed.

I don't know if the dubbed version just sucks or what. While not any kind of "purist" I watched this movie subbed. I'm sure some of the folklore bits sailed over my American head, but this movie is absolutely amazing. The acting, superb. For what isn't a blockbuster movie, the special effects are quite good. The whole feel of the world has a fantastic dark fairytale reality. If you're looking for a slasher movie, this isn't it. But it's a charming fascinating and beautiful retelling of an old folktale sprinkled with some comedic bits. Seeing it on Netflix I actually thought it was going to be a piece of schlocky European horror. Boy was I wrong.