PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Prepare yourself for a dark cinematic experience that is When Evil Lurks. It unfolds into a film that refreshingly doesn’t play by the rules and delves into the depths of violent suspense and terror, right from the opening title card scene that could rival the aftermath of Leatherface’s infamous chainsaw. Yet, this is merely the tip of the iceberg, for we are in the capable hands of writer director Demián Rugna, a maestro of fear, leading us through a realm where malevolence knows no bounds. But first, let’s see that gorgeous poster art.
When Evil Lurks is a 2023 Argentinian supernatural psychological horror film written and directed by Demián Rugna (Terrified 2017). An international co-production between Argentina and the United States, the film stars Ezequiel Rodriguez (Juego de Brujas 2023), Demián Salomon (I Am Toxic 2018), and Luis Ziembrowski (The Rotten Link 2015). When Evil Lurks premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was released in theatres by IFC Films on October 6th, after which it was released on Shudder on October 27, 2023.
When Evil Lurks synopsis:
In a remote village, two brothers find a demon-infected man just about to give birth to evil itself. They decide to get rid of the man but merely succeed in spreading the chaos.
The Setup
Right from the word go, When Evil Lurks secures your attention with an unrelenting grip. In a tranquil rural town, shattered by the jarring echoes of gunshots in the dead of night, a sign of looming supernatural turmoil, we encounter Pedro and Jimmy, two seasoned brothers gripped by fear. With determination and weapons in hand, they investigate as the first rays of dawn pierce the darkness. They discover a dismembered corpse on the premises, sparking their suspicion of a familiar malevolent presence despite their desire to remain oblivious. An enigmatic stranger to the audience, they will soon become acquainted with The Rotten.
When Evil Lurks is a tale that plays out like a haunting folk legend, meticulously peeling back the layers of a sinister ritual, a secret hidden from the unsuspecting masses but lurking as a palpable threat, more at home in the heart of bustling urban jungles. The stringent adherence to this enigmatic procedure is the only barricade preventing the rampant spread of a nefarious force that can overtake both people and animals, turning them into merciless agents of destruction. What’s the endgame, you ask? To deliver unrelenting agony and despair upon those who dare to confront and conquer this malevolent presence.
Writer director Demián Rugna isn’t your average horror auteur; he’s the real deal, and he’s determined to show you what horror filmmaking should be. This isn’t a movie that relies on flashy CGI trickery. It’s the genuine deal–practical effects that make your skin crawl, an atmosphere so thick you could cut it with a knife, and suspense that builds like a storm brewing on the horizon.
Now, let’s not forget our two leads, Pedro and Jimmy, played by the terrific Ezequiel Rodríguez and Demián Salomón. These guys are like the Scorsese and De Niro of fear, taking you on an emotional rollercoaster ride that goes from, “What in the world is happening?! “to “This is our new, messed-up reality!” Their performances aren’t just the icing on the cake; they’re the very heart and soul of this chilling tale. You feel their terror, desperation, and determination in every scene through their human experience. It’s a masterclass in horror acting, and they’re your tour guides through this ominous landscape.
The Payoff
Now, Rugna’s bread and butter is cranking up the tension and dread, and his new pet is no exception. When Evil Lurks separates itself from the pack of possession movies by ingeniously ushering in a new set of rules. It poses an intriguing question: When everyone knows the secret to handling demons safely, where does the fear come from? The answer lies in a set of chilling directives—steer clear of electricity, refrain from using machines to dispatch The Rotten, avoid animals, question the trustworthiness of children, and approach lights and cities with a shiver-inducing sense of caution.
”Evil loves children, and children love evil.” – Mierta
The soundtrack is like a symphony of terror for your eardrums, an adventure for your senses. The visuals are strikingly unconventional, defying typical horror norms. Where some American horror films would give you a glimpse, When Evil Lurks rubs your nose in it. It’s unashamed poetry, and I’m here for it, leaving a lasting impression in your memory, akin to a regrettable tattoo acquired on Friday the 13th that you semi regret, but then again, it’s kind of punk rock.
The unapologetic gore isn’t just your garden variety blood and guts; it’s enough to make even the most hardcore horror aficionados flinch. We’re talking about gallons of blood, limbs severed, and unconscionable visceral imagery that would make George Romero ask, “Was that really necessary?” In the year 2023, When Evil Lurks is the gold standard for twisted horror, delivering shocks and gore. It’s a descent into depravity, a warning to all who dare to enter, and a chilling testament to Rugna’s growing mastery.
The film explores the depths of how far darkness can go before you look away, painting a stark and foreboding picture of regular folks thrust into unimaginable supernatural nightmares. You’ll find yourself rooting for Pedro and Jimmy, but deep down, you’ll know they’re as out of their depth as a babysitter in Haddonfield.
Final Thoughts
When Evil Lurks isn’t for the average passersby thriller seeker. This movie was made for us. It’s a measuring stick of your own horror fandom that asks, “Where do you draw the line?”
Demián Rugna, the genius behind Terrified (2017), is cementing his status as the elevated horror fan cage rattler. This movie plunges you into a nightmarish rural world… wait for it… where evil lurks, children protect it, and ordinary people are forced to confront a living hell. Rugna’s ability to build tension and dread in every frame was refreshing for this horror junkie. The production quality is off the charts, with a soundtrack that’s genuinely embodying, cinematography that envelopes you in an unsettling atmosphere, and visuals that will reset your intrusive thoughts.
But let’s not forget the performances. Rodríguez and Salomón deliver a masterclass in horror acting, taking you on an emotional turmoil that leaves your heart racing. When Evil Lurks is a must-see for horror enthusiasts and anyone seeking a cinematic experience that transcends simple scares.
In conclusion, When Evil Lurks is an opus of fear and dread, a cinematic delight for those who relish in the macabre. Demián Rugna’s craftsmanship shines through in every frame, delivering a horror experience that is bound to keep you up at night. So, brace yourselves, dear readers, because once you enter the world of When Evil Lurks, you’re in for an unsettling descent into the no-holds-barred horrors summoned by Demián Rugna.
You can catch When Evil Lurks on Shudder now. Check out the trailer below.
