Asmodexia

Ever since the seminal film from 1973, exorcisms have been a thriving subject for various horror productions. Director and co-writer Marc Carreté's story provides something a little different. We are still treated to 'wailing and gnashing of teeth' as we would expect when demonic forces are expelled from the human host, but this Spanish film concentrates more on the exorcists themselves. Fifteen-year-old Alba (Clàudia Pons) and her grandfather Eloy de Palma (Lluís Marco) travel from city to city to help the possessed, usually comprising of those existing in the lower end of society.

Jordi Dalmau's excellent score is worth mentioning because it enhances the dread. When we realise that even those we thought of as the 'good guys' turn out to have dark secrets of their own, we're inclined to believe that nowhere is safe. Well worth a watch. My score is 7 out of 10.

Last time I watched this movie I didn't really pay attention to it, so I had to do a rewatch on this for sure, even though the movie is low budget, it has some disturbing scenes and some really potential scenes that could have made this movie better. But that about it, other than that the film drags at times and it shows you why it's a low budget film, like I said before the movie had potential to be better, and to be something really scary and disturbing like some good horror movies out there, but it fail to deliver that, At the end of the day it's an ok film that will become forgettable at the end, and it's sad because it was in Spanish so I wanted to succeed, that being said, I give ""Asmodexia" 3 Stars, it went up just because those disturbing scenes were shot really good, the movie itself meh... you know.

Horror picture shot in fits and starts with incoherent plot, dealing with ghastly possession , as people are possessed by malevolent and heinous spirits causing creepy , scary and terrible moments. The film mixes badly terror , possessions , desperate exorcisms and road movie. The synopsis follows the footsteps of the pastor Eloy de Palma and his granddaughter Alba for four days , in a Barcelona besieged by diabolical appearances and various demonic possessions . His mission is to help those possessed by evil , whose souls have been infected . In each new confrontation with the evil one , clues about the mysterious past of the protagonists are discovered , resulting in an enigma that can change the world.

It is a weak , uneven and disjointed film and it really falls short , in which an exorcist and his granddaughter , working in the Barcelona area where some strange forces seem to be infecting the purest souls cases . Routine , typical horror movie about possession and haunting events with chills , thrills , plot twists and creepy happenings . Ordinary Exorcist movie style with usual ingredients as possession , violent events , disgusting faces from the possessed people , grisly crimes and poltergeister phenomena . Asmodexia is mediocre , but not in a global sense , hence the script doesn't deliver the necessary elements , turning out to be extremely confusing , twisted and incomprehensible . The only really clear thing is that two exorcists attempting to free the immortal souls of the unfortunate ones who are grievously afflicted by the mark of the demonic Evil One , while only a few days away , an earlier cryptic "Resurrection" to take place. The basis on which the plot is based have the ordinary exorcist ingredients, in which roaming Spain's rugged countryside , a pair of travelling exorcists , a grizzled preacher, and his gifted young granddaughter undertaking their eerie activities. Let's say that the general idea is good , or at least acceptable , it is the development of this main idea what ruins the film . From my point of view, and only as a spectator, I come across the actors are not credible -although perhaps this is due to the fact that most of the dialogues seem to be set with the sole purpose of filling- , the edition is confused and the rhythm results to be irregular . A clue that the story is not well told can be found in the ending : the director should not have needed to use flashbacks to resolve loose ends and make understandable a story that otherwise does not have much to understand . Giving so many explanations to make sure no one has missed anything ruins the final climax . Although this is just one of the many details that reveal a possible bad planning in the making of the script , since there are plenty of holes , inconsistencies , forced twists and flaws .

Asmodexia (2014) follows in the wake of modern Exorcist movies , such as :¨The Exorcism of Emily Rose¨, ¨The Haunting in Connecticut¨ , ¨The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia¨, ¨The Vatican Tapes¨, among others. The motion picture was regularly directed by Marc Carreté. He studied Audiovisuals and MBA, and worked for years with some of the leading advertising agencies in Spain. In 2015, founded "Creatures of the Dark", and presently is developing and producing indie horror films such as : ¨Lagunas¨ , ¨la guarida del diablo¨, ¨Asmodexia¨ , ¨After the Lethargy¨ and Shorts : ¨El Espiritista¨ , ¨Castidermia¨ and ¨Mal cuerpo¨ . Rating : 4.5/10, so-so and average terror movie.

Five days in the lives of exorcist Eloy de Palma (Lluis Marco) and his granddaughter Alba (Claudia Pons), working in the Barcelona area.

We get a strong opening, with great use of camera technique and color, along with a gripping score from Jordi Dalmau. The New York Times refers to Dalmau's work as "an eerie, echoing sound design of plinking pianos and ghostly choirs." It is that and much more. Of course, this level of greatness is not maintained for the full duration, but it really showcases the potential of those involved.

Adam Clarke has reviewed the film mostly positively, saying it is "full of interesting ideas" and singling out the cinematography of Xavi Garriga (in his feature film debut). What Clarke appreciates most is the "switching genres" between "exorcism, police procedural and apocalypse drama." He is absolutely right for singling out Garriga, who hopefully continues to make more films. If nothing else comes of this, Garriga should have a bright career.

Some people may be turned off my the subtitles, but that is their loss. While this may not be the greatest film in the exorcism category of horror films, it is different enough that it should be praised for its originality. A new twist on an old theme, with some imagery that evokes comparisons to David Cronenberg's early work? Keep your eyes on this one.

People should stop putting a "horor" label on every movie where the Devil appears! This is not a horor, this is a comedy, very bad one. I never thought I could fall asleep while watching a "horror" movie...Soooooo boring, it hurts how boring this film is! Incredibly bad acting. Uh! I will put this director on the my blacklist and never, but NEVER again watch any of his films anymore.This was such a waste of time!