Found Footage Meets Black Metal Fury

Read Time:3 Minute, 50 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Invoking Yell
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 24m
Director(s): Patricio Valladares
Writer(s): Patricio Valladares, Barry Keating
Cast: María Jesús Marcone, Macarena Carrere, Andrea Ozuljevich
Where To Watch: release across digital platforms on September 20, 2024. Massacre Video will be handling the physical release of the film with a limited-edition Blu-ray packed full of special features. More to be announced later on www.massacrevideo.com

RAVING REVIEW: In 1997 Chile, INVOKING YELL captures a dark and alluring narrative where the world of black metal meets the whispering spirits of the supernatural. The film follows Andrea (María Jesús Marcone,) Tania (Macarena Carrere,) and Ruth (Andrea Ozuljevich,) three black metal enthusiasts who venture into isolated woods to infuse their music with the haunting echoes of the unseen. What begins as a creative endeavor quickly transforms into a terrifying encounter with forces beyond their control, spiraling into a narrative rife with chilling twists.

INVOKING YELL is a gritty tribute to the musical subculture, integrating the tension and suspense of found-footage films. Yet, at times, the film finds itself entangled in its ambitions, with lengthy scenes of wandering and dialogue that aim to build tension but occasionally lessen the pace and diffuse the suspense. Despite this, the electric chemistry among the leading actors lends a compelling authenticity to their perilous journey into the unknown.

Director Patricio Valladares employs the raw, unrefined qualities of found footage, creating an unsettling atmosphere that mirrors the film's dark thematic elements. The intentionally rough camera work immerses the audience in the unfolding dread. However, its shaky nature sometimes struggles against the film's deliberate pacing, potentially testing the patience of its viewers. Few, if any, found footage films can add more to the genre; while this isn’t a knock on the film itself, it does show how the genre itself is at a crossroads and has been for some time.

The narrative emphasizes the dynamics within the group, particularly the complex relationship between Andrea and Ruth. Marcone's portrayal of Andrea captures the extreme essence of black metal. Her harsh treatment of Ruth adds significant tension that builds to the film's climax. While central to the narrative, this dynamic sometimes strays into predictable territory, with specific interactions feeling more contrived than a natural escalation of their fraught relationship.

INVOKING YELL occasionally lingers too long on expansive shots of the wilderness and repetitive exchanges that stall the narrative's momentum. While the secluded setting initially heightens the eerie mood, its overuse dilutes the build-up of suspense, lessening the impact of the intended climactic horror.

Despite these pacing issues, INVOKING YELL creates a foreboding atmosphere that helps to capture its themes' dark, rebellious spirit. The film sets a chilling scene from the start, with its ominous tone promising a deep dive into uncharted depths. The film's finale, which aims to be both shocking and profound, instead comes across as rushed—a stark contrast to the slow and careful setup that precedes it. This abrupt shift suggests a missed opportunity to explore the psychological and supernatural dimensions the film initially promises more thoroughly.

For those deeply embedded in the black metal scene and fans of found-footage horror, INVOKING YELL offers a uniquely captivating cinematic experience. Its robust atmospheric setup and notable performances provide a riveting watch for those who appreciate a methodically slow-burn approach.

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[photo courtesy of WELCOME VILLAN FILMS, MASSACRE VIDEO]

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