PopHorror Let's Get Scared
NOTE: This Eldorado review was published during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being covered here wouldn’t exist. PopHorror fully supports the WGA and SAG-AFTRA and their efforts.
Eldorado (2022) is a unique, unnerving, roller coaster ride of a film that you won’t soon forget. It’s bold, daunting, and downright demented: a terrifying mythical tour de force akin to the likes of Clive Barker’s 1985 cult classic Hellraiser.
This is another original jarring entry from the sadistic mind of the master of body horror himself, Mr. Domiziano Cristopharo. It’s a stark, terrifying trip into the deep dark realm of the illimitable unknown, from which there is no escape. The story is bleak, malefic, and truly twisted, with heavy nods to Chilean-French filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky.
Eldorado Synopsis
Things aren’t what they seem when a man searches for the fabled mandrake plant hoping to unlock the secrets of the cosmos using the diary of his missing predecessor.
Famed Italian horror filmmaker, Domiziano Cristopharo (La perdición 2022, 4 halloween 2023) wrote and directed the film. It stars Elio Mancuso (The Museum of Wonders 2010, The Transparent Woman 2015), Nicola Vitale Materi (La squadra 2000, Pollo crudo 2018), Puccy Polverino (Eldorado 2022, 4 halloween 2023, and Nicholas Sartori (La perdición 2022, 4 halloween 2023).
First off, let me say that this film has its fair share of full frontal male nudity in it. Consider yourself forewarned. While some of it helps add to the creepy atmosphere throughout, there are a few scenes that feel a tad unnecessary and forced. The line between sordid sleaze and indelible artistry is a very fine one, and this film definitely does its best to toe it.
As usual the cinematography is awe-inspiring and top notch. There are some seriously gorgeous picturesque scenes in this, similar to La Perdición (2022). They’re raw, engaging, and easily capture and hold one’s imagination and attention for the duration of the film.
The acting is great and the voice over work is spot on. The editing is fantastic and the music really helps build the dread and raise the anxiety meter. Also, the special FX are a grand blend of CGI and practical effects, really helping to elevate the viewing experience.
What stood out the most was the incredible camerawork, especially the opening and ending credit sequences. The angles and continuous tracking shots are excellent and very well done, giving the film a beautiful little wrap around bookending vibe. They’re highly reminiscent of the Italian genre films from the 70s and 80s.
Overall, Eldorado (2022) is abrasive, insidious, and deeply disturbing. It’s malicious, virulent, and extremely unsettling. If you like unorthodox mystical journey horror films with a f’d up twist, this one’s definitely for you.
Give it a go if you get the chance, it’s one hell of a trip.
My one criticism is it it stated that some of the full frontal male nudity is a “tad unnecessary and forced.” Why is it then that in many reviews, when there’s a lot of female nudity in that manner, it’s never mentioned how unnecessary and forced that seems (Last House On The Left, My Bloody Valentine remake, any ’80s horror film, et al)? I say it’s nicer these days that male nudity is becoming more common.