A Tale of Morality and Dread

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Wait (La espera)
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Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): F. Javier Gutiérrez
Writer(s): F. Javier Gutiérrez
Cast: Victor Clavijo, Ruth Díaz, Moisés Ruiz, Pedro Casablanc, Manuel Morón
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premieres via VOD & digital on October 4, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Writer/director F. Javier Gutiérrez delivers an unexpected and chilling foray into the folk horror genre with this film, set against the eerily picturesque Andalusian countryside. In this gripping narrative, we follow Eladio (Víctor Clavijo,) a hunter whose life unravels as he faces a moral crisis that spirals into chaos. His once peaceful existence is compromised when he succumbs to a bribe that promises financial relief but at a high cost. This decision marks the beginning of a descent into a dark and foreboding ordeal that not only threatens his sanity but also endangers his family.

Eladio, portrayed by Clavijo, transitions from a simple life to a man tormented by his choices and haunted by otherworldly forces. His journey is the film's core, depicted through increasingly eerie events that transform his tranquil life into a twisted landscape of fear and despair. The narrative shifts from intense drama to the unsettling territories of folk horror, drawing viewers into a riveting exploration of human frailty and the darker corners of the psyche.

Gutiérrez, known for his previous works such as RINGS and BEFORE THE FALL, crafts a story that is as much a tribute to the horror genre as it is a personal reflection on themes of mortality and sorrow. Andalusia's oppressive heat and vast wilderness play more than just a scenic backdrop; they mirror Eladio’s psychological unraveling, enhancing the film's somber and ominous atmosphere.

Ruth Díaz plays Marcia, Eladio's wife, whose potential is not fully explored within the story. The story sidelines her as more of an object than focusing on the emotional weight her character adds. She remains mainly on the periphery, a missed opportunity to deepen the narrative complexity.

The visual storytelling, led by cinematographer Miguel Ángel Mora, is particularly notable. Mora's use of stark lighting contrasts effectively heightens the film's grim tone, making the landscape a focus in its own right. His techniques ensure that each frame captures the beauty of the desolate setting and amplifies the suspense and dread that permeate Eladio’s story.

With its deliberate build-up of tension, THE WAIT is effective but tends to struggle in the middle act, causing the momentum to dip. However, these slower moments are counteracted by a climactic buildup that delivers a potent mix of horror and drama, culminating in a surreal and memorable finale. The film blends the psychological intensity of thrillers with the starkness of Westerns, firmly rooted in the folk horror tradition. This genre fusion, while compelling, sometimes creates a tonal dissonance that may leave some audiences uncertain of the film’s direction.

For those attuned to its methodical pacing and rich atmospheric details, THE WAIT offers an immersive experience that resonates. Gutiérrez has created a meditative tale that delves into the abyss of human nature against a backdrop that magnifies the film’s haunting and contemplative ambiance. This entry into the folk horror genre is a testament to Gutiérrez's skill in crafting narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are unsettling, marking it as a distinctive and notable work in his filmography.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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