Here comes the devil

"Here Comes the Devil" by Adrián García Bogliano is a captivating exploration of parental love, supernatural dread, and the fragility of family unity. Set against the sun-drenched yet ominous backdrop of Tijuana, the film begins with the disappearance of two children during a family outing. When they return the next morning, something feels disturbingly different, sparking their parents' investigation into an initial suspicion of abuse-only to uncover something far darker at play.

What sets this film apart is its daring blend of styles and themes. Rooted in the eerie atmospheres of 1970s horror cinema, "Here Comes the Devil" evokes the classics with its grainy visuals, rapid zooms, and low-budget charm. These stylistic choices, while seemingly amateurish at times, contribute to the film's unsettling rhythm, keeping viewers engaged as the story unravels.

Bogliano crafts a layered narrative that juxtaposes familial devotion with themes of possession, loss of innocence, and diabolical influence. The supernatural presence-though never explicitly shown-looms large, manifesting through the children's chilling behavior and the fracturing of their parents' relationship. This subtle approach heightens the tension, proving that psychological and emotional terror can be far more effective than overt scares.

The film's opening scene-a shocking mix of explicit sexuality and brutal violence-sets the tone for a story that refuses to shy away from provocative territory. As the narrative progresses, the mother's increasing belief in a malevolent force contrasts sharply with the father's rational skepticism, creating a compelling dynamic that anchors the escalating horror in relatable human conflict.

The final act shifts focus to familiar horror tropes, including possessed children and supernatural forces, yet it handles them with a fresh sense of dread and ambiguity. The closing moments, deliberately unresolved, leave viewers pondering the pervasive nature of evil and the enduring vulnerability of the human spirit.

It succeeds as an effective horror film that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional resonance over cheap thrills. It is a haunting meditation on parental fear, the loss of innocence, and the darkness that lies just beneath the surface of normalcy.

Although the devil is never explicitly seen, his presence is felt through the actions of the children and the breakdown of the family. The title "Here Comes the Devil" suggests that evil is always present, ready to corrupt.

This is a very weird movie. Almost feels like exploitation. And while this is a hard sell, the way it is portrayed and played is really great. There are some holes in the plot and you might wonder about motives and actions of the main characters (especially the mother), but it all fits into the rhythm of the movie and the way it tells the story, no matter how out there it seems.

The acting is really good and for a small budget movie this really knows how to set the mood. This is something that some other movies miss out on. If you can dig that, you will also dig the abyss this movie opens from time to time. Ending something like this, is always a fine line. And I think they did a really good job here with that too ...

this movie wont be for everyone. I'm sure im not the only one who has a hard time with sexual horror. There is a lot of uncomfortable sexual scenes in this movie that will make it hard for some people to watch. They even get pretty damn close to crossing the line when it comes to the children yet thankfully they showed some restraint. For such a smutty type movie it did however feel intelligent. The plot was gripping and very intense and had me wondering until the end when it concludes very nicely. I liked the ending a lot and thought it wrapped things up nicely. It also left room for a sequel which would be interesting because of the unique antagonist in this movie. There isn't a lot of gore but when it shows up it was very unnerving and brutal. Here Comes The Devil is a movie that is too raw for a mainstream audience but is smart enough that it will probably find cult appreciation.

This movie has pretty good pacing. The parents are very realistic and the kids are effective as well. A pretty good small production foreign film. The subtitles in English and Spanish audio was a problem. English audio is necessary in 2022 in the states.

Do you remember that horror film made in the 1970's that crossed Picnic at Hanging Rock with The Omen? You know, the one that someone like Jose Larraz or Jorge Grau made back in the day and that used to line VHS stores in a lurid big box?

Here Comes the Devil is a 1970's horror film made in 2012. Although not set in the 1970's, it has the feel of a 1970's horror film. For some reason, I was particularly reminded of Satan's Blood, another Spanish language exploitation movie. This is not a retro homage that winks at the viewer the way Grindhouse or Black Dynamite do. No, Here Comes the Devil is first and foremost an unnerving horror film, one without humor or irony.

The plot has two children exploring a hillside shunned by the locals as their parents take advantage of the time alone to engage in sexual play. Time passes. The children do not come back. Worried, their parents search for them and find nothing. The next day the police find the children safe and sound. All is fine . . . or maybe not. The children are different, withdrawn and having an unhealthy attachment to each other. The parents suspect their children have been sexually abused and go about searching for a suspect. In fact, the truth is much stranger.

Here Comes the Devil is a slow burn. This was more common in 1970's horror cinema than it is now (the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre for instance). Some have found the film slow. However, the film pays off with a genuinely unnerving conclusion and along the way there is an escalating sense of dread. This dread often takes the form of sexual tension, some of it involving the children. This makes the film an unlikely choice for a US remake. It also makes it feel older, from another time period. I had read about Here Comes the Devil in horror magazines like Rue Morgue and Fangoria. I was pleasantly surprised that it lived up to the hype.