Dark, Dramatic, and Undeniably Ambitious

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MOVIE REVIEW
Everyone Will Burn (Y todos arderán)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2021, 2023
Runtime: 2h 5m
Director(s): David Hebrero
Writer(s): David Hebrero, Javier Kirán
Cast: Macarena Gómez, Rodolfo Sancho, Ana Milán, Rubén Ochandiano, Germán Torres, Ella Kweku, Raquel Lobelos, with Fernando Cayo and Saturnino García, and introducing Sofía García
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: in theaters starting December 1, 2023 (NYC, LA, Austin) and On digital platforms December 5

RAVING REVIEW: David Hebrero’s EVERYONE WILL BURN takes us on a trip to the small village of Leon, Spain, where the grief of a mother, María José, played by Macarena Gómez, intertwines with the mysterious and supernatural. This setting is further enriched by the arrival of Lucia, portrayed by Sofía García. The movie is rich in mystery and intrigue and promises a captivating exploration of loss and the unknown. The film's visuals make for one of its most vital elements, sometimes carrying the movie as the audience becomes immersed in the world on screen.

As the storyline of EVERYONE WILL BURN unfolds, the film grips the audience with its mix of personal vendetta and supernatural elements. Lucia’s abilities hint at a narrative filled with revenge. Yet oddly, the film pivots, venturing into the more complex and less explored territory of a village caught in the throes of a witch hunt. This turn reveals a blend of influences, from Spanish fantasy's haunting landscapes to Italian horror's dark corners, filtered through Hebrero’s directorial lens. It feels like a tale of two stories, as though the film's initial idea got put to the side and never revisited to complete the exploration.

As Maria, Gómez delivers a performance with an emotional depth, effectively portraying a mother's sorrow. Her portrayal occasionally borders on the overly dramatic, which might clash with the film's intended tone. In contrast, García, as Lucia, injects a fresh and compelling element into the movie despite her character’s sometimes ambiguous nature, which can cloud the storyline. This is very much a film about “what ifs.” I felt almost at every turn that a more profound story was begging to be told and explored.

The visual aspect of EVERYONE WILL BURN stands out, particularly its atmospheric use of lighting and setting that conjures an eerie and immersive ambiance. This visual flair, impressive as it is, struggles to compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings completely. The second half, marked by deeper fears and somewhat caricatured portrayals, lacks the emotional depth in the film's early scenes. While actors like Fernando Cayo and Ana Milán contribute their talents, the film doesn’t leverage the full potential of its supporting cast, leaving the storyline somewhat uneven. I would love to see a more profound director's cut or a sequel/continuation that helps fill in some of the story's gaps.

In summary, EVERYONE WILL BURN an ambitious endeavor, attempting to weave together various horror sub-genres and thematic elements, showcasing Hebrero as a filmmaker. The movie has moments of genuine suspense and terror but falls short of delivering a cohesive narrative, leaving an impression of unrealized potential. The film hints at a need for a more focused and coherent approach to its central themes and character development, suggesting that a tighter narrative could have resulted in a more impactful and cohesive horror film experience. Don’t abandon the film, though; there is still much to be experienced here.

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[photo courtesy of DRAFTHOUSE FILMS]