Darkness Falls, Secrets Unravel

Read Time:3 Minute, 56 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Párvulos
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 59m
Director(s): Isaac Ezban
Writer(s): Ricardo Aguado-Fentanes, Isaac Ezban
Cast: Noé Hernández, Carla Adell, Juan Carlos Remolina, Mateo Ortega Casillas, Horacio F. Lazo, Leonardo Cervantes, Norma Flores, Farid Escalante Correa
Where To Watch: shown at Fantastic Fest 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In the maze of director Isaac Ezban's storytelling, PÁRVULOS unfolds as a haunting exploration of survival through the eyes of three brothers entrenched in a post-apocalyptic wilderness. Salvador (Farid Escalante Correa,) alongside his siblings Oliver (Leonardo Cervantes) and Benjamin (Mateo Ortega Casillas,) navigates a world remade by casualty, where the daily grind of existence becomes a grotesque mimicry of what once was everyday life, replete with the bizarre inclusion of holiday festivities. Their fragile routine is disrupted by the enigmatic Valeria (Carla Adell), whose arrival on Christmas Eve casts long, ominous shadows across their lives, ultimately revealing a morbid curiosity for the secrets Salvador has zealously guarded.

Ezban, celebrated for his ventures into the dark corridors of psychological horror, crafts a narrative rich in intense family dynamics against the chilling backdrop of societal collapse. Although the film starts with a compelling premise and dives deep into complex themes, it occasionally stumbles, particularly towards a drawn-out finale lacking the spark of earlier scenes, which somewhat mutes the expected climactic resonance.

The core of PÁRVULOS is the poignant portrayal of the brothers' struggle between the relentless demands of their reality and the remnants of their lost innocence. Salvador's pragmatic, hardened approach, born out of sheer necessity, starkly contrasts with Benjamin’s untainted optimism. This tension pulsates throughout the film, accentuated by Ezban’s sharp directorial vision, which captures the intricate web of relationships and isolation that defines this familial unit.

The performances by the young trio—Correa, Cervantes, and Casillas—are moving. They deliver a multi-layered emotional authenticity that portrays their characters' complex psyches. Their dynamic interplay elevates the film beyond the confines of its genre into a compelling narrative of endurance and the bonds of family.

Visually, PÁRVULOS is a deep work of mood and atmosphere. Cinematographer Rodrigo Sandoval crafts each frame with a blend of shadows and subdued lighting, employing a desaturated palette that reflects the bleakness of the brothers' surroundings. However, this monochromatic approach, while visually arresting, at times risks overshadowing the film’s narrative nuances by overemphasizing its thematic underpinnings.

While the film is undeniably a visual journey, its screenplay sometimes rises to different heights. The dialogue occasionally feels rigid and didactic, seemingly more focused on exposition than on naturally advancing the plot or fleshing out character arcs. Additionally, some of the film’s revelations are prematurely disclosed, diminishing the buildup of suspense that should crescendo towards the finale.

Despite these missteps, PÁRVULOS distinguishes itself through its in-depth exploration of survival under extreme conditions. It’s as much an examination of psychological endurance as a tale of physical survival, with the horror elements serving more as a backdrop to the intense, character-driven drama that unfolds.

While not without flaws, Ezban’s PÁRVULOS marks an evolution in his filmmaking. It reflects a depth and maturity that suggests a promising future. The film leaves a lasting impression not because of its frights but because of its profound, humanistic portrayal of resilience and transformation in dire circumstances. PÁRVULOS resonates with the indomitable spirit of its characters, weaving a harrowing and profoundly human narrative.

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[photo courtesy of CORAZÓN FILMS, MALIGNO GOREHOUSE, RED ELEPHANT FILMS, FIREBOOK ENTERTAINMENT]

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