Aterrados

This Argentinian addition to the horror genre is a refreshing submission from a fledgling director. Written and directed without the usual hubris that we as humans can solve any supernatural problem by basically willing it away and shot in a way which evokes a feeling of being lost from the beginning. Told in a non-linear format with the vantage point being that of multiple characters, each with their own observations and fears keeping the movie fresh through it relatively short run time.

With a few masterfully and patiently created scares blended seamlessly into a engrossing and thoughtful plot this film is a welcome addition to the currently bland horror movie genre.

First of all, the art on the poster is excellent, which attracted me to this film. Unfortunately no visual in the film matched this. I found the first death scene very creepy, although I think, that the husband's reaction could have been more intense. If Iwitnessed something like that, I'd be overwhelmed with horror. It was the scariest scene in the film, I thought. After that the film started going all over the place, showing paranormal events in three different residences. The events really didn't have much, if any continuity, nor explanation, which diminished my interest. In the end, a group of scientists and police investigated these paranormal occurrences, but came to no understanding of them. So the film has some interesting, paranormal scenes, with very little cohesion to them.

Jam-packed with genuinely effective & downright terrifying jump scares, Terrified (also called Aterrados) doesn't waste any time in bringing the horror element into play and is unsettling from its opening moments. The plot & characters are barely serviceable and yet when it comes to scaring the audience, it is a relentless assault on the senses.

Written & directed by Demián Rugna, the film is far more interested in leaving its viewers a startled mess instead of refining its story or fleshing out the characters. The set-up is simple, pacing is brisk, and instead of steadily escalating the tension by gradually intensifying the paranormal activities, Rugna introduces it on screen in full measure from the beginning.

Much of the explanation regarding ghost encounters rarely makes sense but one is less inclined to be bothered by it when it keeps throwing an endless barrage of frights with zero respite. Still, the middle & final acts fail to enrich the experience further and it is never clear about who is supposed to be the main character here. As for its atmosphere & sound, both aspects are praiseworthy.

Overall, Terrified manages to leave most of its audience in the titular state, and is a fast, frenetic & frightening chiller that unleashes absolute terror with its spooky imagery and leaves a lasting mark in the scary department. A stronger narrative & compelling characters would've benefitted it some more but what it set out to do, it delivers that in terrifying doses. In short, this Argentinian horror is worth a shot.

Actually not just thinking. But you do have to bend your mind to follow this movie. If you want to that is. Because it really is freaky and makes quite a story. The characters don't seem to know where this is going and as a viewer you may feel lost quite a few times.

The horror feels real and might get to you. Especially because it is so hard to grasp. You can't really tell where it will be coming from, where it will be going. Add to that an enhanced sense of dreadness. The photography and sound design is amazing. Having said all that, it still will bore some people. People who like flashy jump scares. This is not ordinary, which may either be considered good or bad. I think movies that take risks are worth watching, especially when they are done so well ...

Seriously, this movie is one of the best horror films in years. It was a great and scary surprise when i watched on the theatre (i never except nothing of a horror movie). I hope this movie can be released in other countries, it worth it. By the way, the plot did not answer all of the questions the movie created, so I am waiting for the second part. Please producers and director, do not let me down.