Sobrenatural

A horror film steeped in paranoia and isolation. Zabaleta shines in her role, carrying the film with mastery, while the plot unfolds with suspense, despite some script issues. The work, although not perfect, avoids falling into clichés.

One of the best Mexican films I've seen. So enjoyable that I watched it twice. The actress, who is small, beautiful, and delicate - traits I find appealing - fits perfectly into the protagonist's role. The film has an engaging atmosphere, with a good pace and excellent cinematography. However, you must suspend disbelief regarding the psychiatrist, as it's hard to believe - especially for us Brazilians, accustomed to mercenary professionals - the level of care and attention psychiatrists in other countries give to their patients.

This is a movie which has a good plot, not impressive. But is extremely visually powerful. The camera movements and the coloring portray madness and fear. Has one of the best Mexican actresses i´ve ever seen, and me being Mexican i know that´s a rare thing. The chase scene at the end is great. And that last shot. Of the man seen through the fishbowl, his face all distorted, is so disturbing.

excellent film making. Very effective interweaving of psychological and supernatural effects that keep you wondering about what is really going on. Very strong, intelligent visual style. Only the very best quality films, like this one, can keep you engrossed through long sequences with no dialogue with only the power of images, thrilling you without any gore whatsoever. none. the subjective camera angles produce such a feeling of terror and uncertainty, you don't need any gore. The main actress gives a great performance. I would rank this up with Cronos, but Cronos is more unique, "fantastical" and bloodier. But the same level of excellent film making.

The makers of this film have confused the horror genre with one all their own; the Horrible.

I was initially very intrigued by the synopsis for this film. Witches, voodoo, Latin America, and a secret cult provided many interesting possibilities. However, one immediate preoccupation dominated the film. The director seemed engrossed with creating "inventive" camera angles. All of Them Witches/Sobrenatural is the antithesis of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari in this respect, and places style above substance, which I in fact have time for when there is style in the first place. For example, the aquarium in the psychiatrist's office released a small eruption from time to time, perhaps trying to underscore the volatility of the situation, but in effect resembled underwater flatulence, such as children are wont to do in the bath after a meal of baked beans and stewed prunes.

The performances by the two lead actors was wooden, for lack of a better word, so bland that I won't even go into it.

Both Ed Wood and Roger Corman proved that even bad films can have endearing qualities. The fact that this doesn't, makes it beyond bad.

During the last half of the 90s, Mexican cinema had a resurgence that has kept constant through these days. Movies like "Cilantro y Perejil", "Sexo, Pudor y Lágrimas" and "Todo el Poder" were only the beginning of this modernization in which the Mexican cinema basically resurrected from the underground state it had been living even in its homeland. "Sobrenatural" was one of the first "new Mexican cinema" films to come out, but what makes it stand out even among other Mexican movies, is the fact that it is the only horror movie of that generation.

"Sobrenatural" is the story of Dolores Berthier (Susana Zabaleta), a young woman that is emotionally affected after witnessing how her best friend is killed at her apartment's doorstep. Her husband Andres (Alejandro Tommasi), afraid of the violent city, prefers that Dolores stay in the apartment as she recovers from her emotional breakdown. But the greatest danger is not outside, but inside, where Dolores begins to experience what seems to be a series of supernatural events apparently linked to her friend's death. Is this witchcraft or is she only delusional?

Directed by Daniel Gruener, "Sobrenatural" is a story of paranoia, isolation and confusion set in an apartment in the same style of Polanski's Apartment Trilogy ("Repulsion", "Le Locataire" and "Rosemary's Baby"); the film is filled with many references to Polanski's work and in fact the English name of the film is "All of Them Witches", a clear reference to "Rosemary's Baby". Gruener crafts a movie that pays true homage to its influences without being too much of a rip off and keeping a distinctive style.

The story, by Gabriel González Meléndez, uses effectively the suspense and mystery, focusing on Dolores' own fears, paranoia and disbelief; even when the story drags a bit, it is never a problem and doesn't become tedious or boring. Elements such as the fear to the outside world and the fight between science and spiritualism are also among the themes explored and while at times the film feels rushed, it moves at the right slow pace for the most part. Gruener's camera-work enhances the atmospheric tone of the film relaying more on mood and dread than in graphic gore or sudden scares.

Susana Zabaleta gives an inspired performance and carries the movie with grace and power. Most of the success of the film relays on her and she succeeds as Dolores, a woman who is discovering a world bigger than what she thought. Tomassi is less convincing, and is probably the weakest link in the cast. Ricardo Blume as Dolores' psychiatrist and Delia Casanova as Madame Endor are very good in their parts and a small but effective cameo by the legendary Roberto Cobo completes a, for the most part, well assembled cast.

Gruener's horror film is not without flaws, as at times the pacing feels too rushed for the kind of film he tries to achieve. The script has some problems although for the most part it is very well developed. The film had some changes done by the studio that produced it, so one can't be sure if this is exactly what Gruener desired; however, the result is quite good and certainly better than the average horror film.

"Sobrenatural" may not be a perfect film, but it is a different option for those wanting to discover modern horror films that don't relay on typical themes. Polanski's fans will appreciate the film's many references to his work and horror fans interested in foreign cinema may find it refreshing as it is an atypical and very well done Mexican horror film. 7/10