"The wrong we have done, thought or intent-ed, will wreck its vengeance on our souls" C.G Jung. The Forsaken (2015) begins with this quote. The story has as its starting point the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman's daughter by four men and a woman who are hired to abduct the girl, without knowing each other. This kidnapping becomes the worst nightmare for every one of them.
The story grabs the viewer effortlessly. The film dispenses mystery and suspense elegantly, disturbing and disconcerting. It is remarkable that an independent film of these technical and budgetary characteristics has such an interesting final result.
The film is based on a screenplay by Joan Alvarez and has recurring elements that we saw in his earlier work, The Afterglow: the use of mirrors, the dark side of human nature, internal conflicts, and the struggle against unknown forces... A story which entraps their development and invites us to discuss and philosophize after viewing the film. The Forsaken pays tribute to The Exterminating Angel, as an episode of the Twilight Zone. The film absorbs you effortlessly and leaves you thinking.
The film was directed by Yolanda Torres, in a genre which always appreciates a woman's regard. Emphasizing the use of shots featuring impossible perspectives mystifying and trapping our subconscious. The female characters, into which the film delves further, offer very noteworthy performances by Claudia Trujillo and Sarah Tyler Shaw. Claudia stands out for her versatility and Sarah for her conviction. Perhaps the male figures are more blurred, although they standout for their disturbing bearing. In short, a more than remarkable movie for lovers of intrigue, terror... and horror. We do not know if after seeing this movie, we'll be able to look at ourselves in the mirror in the same way.
