This late-80s supernatural thriller occupies that peculiar space where ambitious horror concepts meet the limitations of modest production values. Director Rubén Galindo Jr. Crafts a film that pulses with genuine menace in its quieter moments, yet stumbles when reaching for its more grandiose scares. The Mexican production carries an unmistakable regional flavor that distinguishes it from its American counterparts, offering glimpses of inspired filmmaking alongside stretches of uneven execution.
Fernando Almada delivers a grounded performance as the police captain, his weathered face conveying the weight of a man watching his world descend into supernatural chaos. His portrayal anchors the film's more outlandish elements with believable parental desperation. Erika Buenfil brings vulnerability to her role as the targeted daughter, though the script occasionally asks more of her than it provides in terms of character development. The supporting cast fluctuates between committed performances and moments that feel slightly disconnected from the material's darker intentions.
Galindo Jr.'s direction shows flashes of atmospheric horror mastery, particularly in the film's middle act where shadows seem to breathe with malevolent life. The practical effects, while clearly budget-constrained, achieve several genuinely unsettling moments through clever camera work and timing rather than expensive prosthetics. The film's visual language draws from both Mexican folklore traditions and American slasher conventions, creating an occasionally striking hybrid aesthetic.
The pacing suffers from an uncertain rhythm, with some sequences building tension effectively while others feel rushed or underdeveloped. When the supernatural elements take center stage, the film's ambitions sometimes exceed its technical capabilities, resulting in moments that land with less impact than intended. However, the underlying concept maintains enough intrigue to carry viewers through the rougher patches.
