When Evil Lurks Review: A Gruesomely Unique and Brutal Take on Possession Horror!
Director Demián Rugna gained recognition and acclaim for his directorial skills with the 2017 Argentine horror film Terrified (Aterrados). Terrified was celebrated for its spine-chilling atmosphere and its ability to deliver intense scares, making it a standout in the horror genre to many. With this successful background in horror filmmaking, Rugna has built a reputation for creating unsettling and suspenseful experiences for audiences. Now, with his latest effort, When Evil Lurks (Cuando acecha la maldad), Rugna brings his expertise to the table once again, this time delivering a horrific dose of gruesome terror for fans of the genre.
When Evil Lurks opens with two brothers, Jimi (Demián Salomón) and Pedro (Ezequiel Rodríguez), investigating gunshots fired one evening. The next morning, they discover a severed hand and the bottom half of a torso with entrails spilling out. Their speculation about a puma as the culprit quickly turns to suspicion of a man named Ruiz. Documents at the scene lead them to a woman named Maria Elena (Isabel Quinteros). Their visit to her home takes an unexpected turn when she nonchalantly reveals they were waiting for someone to deal with her possessed son, Uriel. Inside, they find the grotesque bloated rotting body of Uriel, his giant stomach raising and falling with each gasping breath. , Lip quivering, Jimi holds his dead is sheer uncomfortableness. The man has bubbling growths protruding from his fat neck. One eyes is sealed shut with swelling. The other gazes at the brothers.
“He is possessed. He’s been rotten for a long time.” States, presumably Uriel’s younger brother. “It’s my fault.” Maria Elena states. “I thought by praying we would be able to heal him.” Rotten bile and pus run from the grotesque mouth of Uriel. “Who did you tell?” demands Jimi. The brothers leave and drive away.
They go to the authorities, who seemingly are just two men in a building. They contend that Uriel is possessed. After a quick argument the cops pass the buck and say it’s public health’s responsibility. Desperate the two go to a farmer named Ruiz (whom they spoke of previously). He however is of no immediate help. He is pissed-off with the situation saying this was a set up caused by the state.
That evening he angrily leaves dinner with his wife and armed with a shotgun he barges into Maria Elena’s home to see Uriel for himself. She pleads with Ruiz to not shoot him, that it needs to be done by a “professional.” “Kill me Ruiz.” Uriel’s demon taunts. “You coward, kill me.” Ruiz gets the hell out of there.
The following day Ruiz, Jimi, and Pedro return to remove Uriel from the home. They drag him out of bed by the bed sheet, pus and bile oozing and flowing. The sheet is sopping wet with decaying juices. They manage to get him on the back of Ruiz’s pickup truck.
The trio drive him 400 km away with Uriel. Along their way they swerve to avoid a kid on a bike in the roadway but when they make their stop to get rid of Uriel, he is no longer in the back of the truck. Only Uriel’s creamy dank juices remain. “It’s not our fucking problem.” Ruiz decides, and they leave it at that. They all leave, and the men return to their respective homes…
When Evil Lurks offers a unique take on the demonic possession subgenre. The film’s setting seems to exist in an apocalyptic world where religious intervention holds no sway over the malevolent forces at play. The possessed individuals, referred to as ‘Rottens,’ suffer grotesque and disturbing physical transformations, and only special individuals, known as ‘Cleaners,’ can dispatch of the possessed.
The film leans more towards exploring the concept of infection than traditional demonic possession, creating an unsettling and horrifying atmosphere. The ‘Rottens’ are presented in a horrifying and gruesome manner, making them a worrying force to be reckoned with, brought to life with exceptional makeup effects by Marcos Berta.
The narrative unfolds with a sense of dread, as the brothers and others grapple with the inexplicable events that unfold. The film excels in moments of pure insanity, including a murder suicide involving an axe to the face and a disturbing animal attack scene that will leave an indelible mark on viewers.
One of the notable aspects of the film is its lack of reliance on religious or supernatural tropes. Instead, it focuses on the physical and psychological toll of possession, which adds a unique layer of horror to the story. The rules of engagement with the possessed, the portrayal of school children succumbing to the demonic influence, and the manipulation of human emotions all contribute to the film’s eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
In a world where the rules of reality and sanity blur, When Evil Lurks invites viewers to question the choices and actions of its characters. Did the characters do the right thing by disposing of Uriel in a remote location during their journey? The film explores these moral and existential questions, leading to a chilling and unforgettable climax.
Overall, When Evil Lurks is a visceral and distinctive addition to the possession subgenre. While it may not be an over-the-top gore film, it offers a brutal and intense experience that will leave a lasting impression. Rugna’s directorial expertise shines through once again, providing fans of the genre with a nightmarish and unforgettable cinematic journey.
AKA: Cuando acecha la maldad
Directed by: Demián Rugna
Written by: Demián Rugna
Produced by: Fernando Díaz, Roxana Ramos
Cinematography by: Mariano Suárez
Editing by: Lionel Cornistein
Music by: Pablo Fuu
Special Effects by: Marcos Berta
Cast: Ezequiel Rodríguez, Luis Ziembrowski, Demián Salomón, Isabel Quinteros, Federico Liss, Emilio Vodanovich, Silvina Sabater
Year: 2023
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish (English Subtitles)
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 1h 39min
Studio: Aramos Cine, La Puerta Roja, Machaco Films, Shudder
Distributor: IFC Films
