Phenomena

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Phenomena" (TV-MA - 2023 - Netflix) Genre: Horror/Paranormal

My Score: 6.6 Cast=4 Acting=5 Plot=5 Ending=9 Story=9 Scare=5 Jump=7 F/X=6 Creep=6 Twist=10

Three middle-aged women who investigate paranormal events are put to the test when their leader disappears.

"When you're investigating paranormal phenomena, you first rule out normal phenomena." This started out really bad...it was like watching grass grow for the first half of the film. The second half is much better...with a twist that fees like an ending. All of a sudden, the movie goes in a much more dangerous direction and the true ending made the movie for me. This movie about the Hepta Group ended up to be a pretty good watch.

I've watched a few Spanish films in the past couple of years and this is as good as any of them. Set in Madrid in 1998 where it seems to rain all the time, it's about three paranormal investigators and a sinister case they get entwined in. The three ladies are Gloria, Sagrario and Paz. All three are played very well by Toni Acosta, Belen Rueda and Gracia Olayo. In tone it reminded me a bit of 7 Women and a Murder, another Netflix film, this time an Italian one. Of the three leads it's Olayo as Paz that stands out for me as she's the more comedic character.

This film is very enjoyable and is light hearted but also has it's creepier moments.

No pun intended - I actually thought the movie would be a comedy to be honest. Probably because I knew the actors involved in this and also because it gave that vibe - seeing the poster or preview image on Netflix. Well shame on me I reckon - but I did have fun watching this (to continue with my puns I reckon).

The actors involved in this can not only do comedy obviously but are great actors in general. The deadly may have been a bit of a heightened statement - and was made for laughs on my side. So do not have expectations this will not fulfill - and that is where we get back to how we started right? How I perceived it and what it really is ... great cinematography and set design.

You're already trapped by bewitching filmic photography and powerful set design that leaves no room for couch distractions. Facts of paranormal phenomena told in a story of great suspense with a gripping crescendo, mysterious, breathless, but at the same time graceful thanks to the indistinguishable Spanish irony of the three female heroines who also allow you to smile in moments of jolt during some scenes of high tension in the second part of the story supported by an irrepressible, handsome, robust and conciliatory sound like the deeds of the three women who alone save their ..... Maria Pia.

This was quite an entertaining film. For the non Spanish people, the actors are comedians but do a great job as serious actors. There are some funny moments, especially within the dialogue which lightens the mood of the film.

Unfortunately, for me the ending was a little disappointing. The lead up to it was somewhat flat. There were incidents in the film which had to be questioned and really, why did they do this when it had nothing much to do with the story line.

All in all, the film was fun to watch. I enjoyed the characters (the three women) and it was also good to bring back the Hepta Group that was well known here years ago.