Atmospheric Horror Gets a Psychological Twist

Read Time:4 Minute, 6 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Abandoned [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2006, 2024 Unearthed Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Nacho Cerdá
Writer(s): Karim Hussain, Nacho Cerdá, Richard Stanley
Cast: Anastasia Hille, Karel Roden, Valentin Ganev, Paraskeva Djukelova, Carlos Reig-Plaza, Marta Yaneva, Jasmina Marinova, Svetlana Smoleva, Anna Panayotova, Monica Baunova
Where To Watch: available April 9, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.unearthedfilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In THE ABANDONED, director Nacho Cerdà takes us on a chilling expedition that defies the typical horror narrative, swapping out predictable scares for a deep, atmospheric dive into the psyche of its characters against a backdrop of supernatural enigmas. While the film ambitiously attempts to weave together suspense and in-depth character arcs, it occasionally stumbles, leaving some moments and its story progression not quite reaching its lofty aspirations. Despite this, its stunning visuals and eerie ambiance make it a compelling watch for anyone eager to step off the beaten horror path.

Anastasia Hille plays Marie Jones, who embarks on a chilling odyssey to a desolate Russian estate, a journey sparked by a mysterious inheritance from her long-lost biological parents. Valentin Ganev's enigmatic Andrei Misharin is the precursor of this dark legacy, catapulting Marie into a world where her ancestors' whispers fill the air of the decrepit Kaidavosky Farm. Here, the plot thickens, entangling Marie in a web of spectral encounters and dark family secrets.

Cerdà transitions into a narrative rife with ghosts, literal and metaphorical. THE ABANDONED departs from some of his gore-laden past, opting instead for a story that haunts the soul and teases the senses with its rich, shadow-laden aesthetic and the haunting silences of its setting. The film excels in its mastery of mood and atmosphere, crafting scenes that linger long after the credits roll.

However, it's in the emotional resonance and pacing where THE ABANDONED feels less solid. The storyline sometimes meanders, and the emotional depth of Marie and her brother, crucial to the narrative's heart, doesn’t always reach the heights it aims for, making their harrowing journey feel less impactful at moments.

Yet, as Marie delves into the labyrinth of her family’s murky past, the film finds its stride. The blend of haunting visuals and the tangible tension between the siblings as they uncover grim truths about their lineage offers a gripping narrative. The exploration of themes such as identity, fate, and the struggle to escape one's past elevates THE ABANDONED beyond mere horror, engaging viewers with its psychological depth and existential quandaries. While not flawless in its execution, resulting in a somewhat mixed but undeniably intriguing cinematic journey, the film showcases Cerdà's willingness to experiment with narrative and genre conventions.

Ultimately, THE ABANDONED offers a unique spin on the horror genre, prioritizing atmospheric tension and character depth over traditional scare tactics. Its compelling storyline and visual artistry make it a noteworthy addition to the horror landscape, albeit with some room for narrative and emotional refinement. For viewers looking for a horror experience that combines introspection with the supernatural thrill, THE ABANDONED invites you on a haunting journey into the heart of human fear and the shadows of ancestral secrets.

Bonus Materials
Zoë Rose Smith Interviews Nacho Cerdà
Zoë Rose Smith Interviews Richard Stanley
Zoë Rose Smith Interviews Karim Hussain
'The Making of 'The Abandoned' Featurette
'In the Den of The Abandoned' Featurette
'Nacho Cerda: Facing Death' Featurette
'The Little Secrets of Nacho Cerda' Featurette
'When Buck Meets Cerda: A Dialogue Between Friends' Featurette
Alternative Sequences
Deleted & Extended Scenes
Outtakes
Photo Gallery
Trailers
BD-ROM: Storyboard Collection

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[photo courtesy of UNEARTHED FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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