In a remote village, two brothers find a demon-infected man just about to "give birth" to evil itself. They decide to get rid of the body, only to end up unintentionally spreading chaos.In a remote village, two brothers find a demon-infected man just about to "give birth" to evil itself. They decide to get rid of the body, only to end up unintentionally spreading chaos.In a remote village, two brothers find a demon-infected man just about to "give birth" to evil itself. They decide to get rid of the body, only to end up unintentionally spreading chaos.
- Awards
- 10 wins & 33 nominations total
Lucrecia Nirón Talazac
- Vicky
- (as Lucrecia Niron Talazac)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
Seriously underrated movie. I watched the original version with Spanish subtitles, and in my opinion it is the best way to watch. Anyway, if you expected cruelty and horror prepare to not be disappointed because seriously, this movies delivers! With that being said, it does have it's lacks, first of all this is obviously meant to be the beginning of a franchise (you'll realize that after watching the cliffhanger ending), nonetheless, this small production Argentinian movie is not afraid to hurt anybody's feelings. What I can tell you for certain is that this is the best it gets, just don't expect the sequel to be half as good.
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 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 watched the Argentinian horror film 🇦🇷 When Evil Lurks (2023) at the theater tonight. The storyline revolves around a pair of brothers and their friend who come across a demon-possessed body and are determined to eliminate it to prevent the infection from spreading through the village. However, this task proves to be far more challenging than they initially anticipated.
Written and directed by Demián Rugna (Terrified), the film features Ezequiel Rodríguez (The Road), Luis Ziembrowski (The Rotten Link), Federico Liss (Wild Tales) and Demián Salomón (You Don't Know Who You're Talking To).
Demián Rugna once again displays his mastery in crafting a unique and refreshing horror film. The storyline of this picture is exceptional and reminded me of Talk to Me in terms of plot, intensity, suddenness and shocking violence. The film delivers an array of incredible and relentless sequences that are both shocking and brutal. The kills are filled with gore, blood splatter, and unrelenting ruthlessness. The scenes involving the goat and children pickup at mother's house are a dream come true for horror enthusiasts. While the ending is somewhat open-ended, it works effectively.
In conclusion, Demián Rugna has created another masterpiece for the horror genre. I would rate it an 8-8.5/10 and strongly recommending it.
Written and directed by Demián Rugna (Terrified), the film features Ezequiel Rodríguez (The Road), Luis Ziembrowski (The Rotten Link), Federico Liss (Wild Tales) and Demián Salomón (You Don't Know Who You're Talking To).
Demián Rugna once again displays his mastery in crafting a unique and refreshing horror film. The storyline of this picture is exceptional and reminded me of Talk to Me in terms of plot, intensity, suddenness and shocking violence. The film delivers an array of incredible and relentless sequences that are both shocking and brutal. The kills are filled with gore, blood splatter, and unrelenting ruthlessness. The scenes involving the goat and children pickup at mother's house are a dream come true for horror enthusiasts. While the ending is somewhat open-ended, it works effectively.
In conclusion, Demián Rugna has created another masterpiece for the horror genre. I would rate it an 8-8.5/10 and strongly recommending it.
So i gotta say, i was hooked from the beginning. Really intrigued by the "world" and how the rules applied to it, etc. But what the actual hell is wrong with these people? How many times does someone have to tell them to NOT do something only for them to do just the mere seconds later? Why was it so hard for anyone to, i don't know, use their brains? It was so infuriating to watch people make stupid mistakes that lead to others' deaths. I remember thinking (in the beginning) oh im leaving a great rating with this one.... and then, stupidity would strike over and over. To the point where i just gave up na laughed at how stupid it became.
High points for creativity in the plot/story/world building but jfc were the characters freaking morons.
High points for creativity in the plot/story/world building but jfc were the characters freaking morons.
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.
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.
Did you know
- TriviaDuring a post-premiere audience Q&A at Fantastic Fest, director Demián Rugna said he got the idea for When Evil Lurks from a series of news stories about farm pesticides in his native Argentina causing widespread health issues. He suggests that corporate apathy about the workers' health, and the way the issue occured "out in the middle of nothing," where it's easy for profiteers and city-dwellers to ignore the impact of their choices, started him thinking about the idea of lurking evils given free rein to spread.
- GoofsWhen the wife kills the husband with the axe right after he shoots the goat, there is no visible blood on the axe after she pulls it from his face.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Horrible Reviews: Best Movies I've Seen In 2023 (2024)
- SoundtracksCuando Acecha la Maldad
Written by Miguel Roldán (as Miguel Roldan (Logos))
Performed by Pasco 367
Orchestrated & arranged by Pablo Fuu
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Cuando acecha la maldad
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $546,626
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $205,752
- Oct 8, 2023
- Gross worldwide
- $2,090,252
- Runtime
- 1h 39m(99 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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