La casa del fin de los tiempos

Terrible things happen in Dulce's house in 1981; such terrible things that she has been in prison ever since. In 2011, now an old woman, Dulce is the beneficiary of a boon from the Venezuelan government - she is allowed to leave the prison, but she must remain on house arrest (complete with armed guards outside 24/7), in the very house where those terrible events occurred. And now it seems that they are about to occur again, and again, and again....

I don't want to say much at all about this film because its power comes from its unexpected twists and turns and things we, the audience, never saw coming. I don't like scary movies much because, well, I don't like being scared - and this one definitely scared me, there were at least half a dozen times when I jumped in my seat (and perhaps screamed a little)! But I ended up really loving this film, in part because of the way it unfolds and in part because of the very fine acting, by Ruddy Rodriguez as Dolce especially, but also including Gonzalo Cubero as her husband Juan Jose, Rosmel Bustamente as her son Leo and (the very handsome) Hector Mercado as the local priest. My only quibble has to do with the fact that all the rooms in the house are always kept locked, whether family members are in them or not; I didn't quite understand that. But if you're looking for a very classy "supernatural thriller," you wouldn't go wrong by choosing to search this one out; truly excellent!

This movie was quite surprising. Surprisingly good, as I would not have thought of such refreshing ideas in a horror movie, for this has become a true rarity in this genre. And it offers some really good and surprising twists, another rarity in the horror genre. There are some plotholes, sure, (who will cast the first stone?) but all in all this is a good and effective horror movie that focuses more on the characters than on jump scares and has a (most of the time) well-thought-out story. Its spirit positively reminded me of "El orfanato" and "El espinazo del diablo".

Okay, I'm no part Venezuelan.

It's a good film. American audiences, take it for what it is, a low budget film from a small film industry. Yes, it has weakpoints, but also strengths.

Pros: innovative plot twists, well filmed. Cons: Slow starter, overdramatizing music gives away some surprises, a few connections are contrived. Overall: A good twist on a psychological pensive ghost story.

Who might like this? It's a little old school, like Gaslight, with some of the Spanish style, like Del Toro's Devil's Backbone. A touch of The Others, not as polished, but if you like those films, and are looking for something else, this would be a good one to watch.

ps.

To reviewers & commenters : Don't knock countries. Americans love European & Mexican movies. We're not latinophobes. Key? Subtlety. It's much more powerful if a twist happens and we almost miss it, and then wham, it's there. Just like some day noticing "oh, huh, they're from Venezuela."

This needed saying because of the number of comments on the topic comments and reviews. I know funding is hard to come by for major projects in Venezuela, so kudos, keep it up. I look forward to future results.

This movie surpassed my expectations in every possible way. Even though it it doesn't have the best special effects or the highest budget, it is still one of the best suspense/horror movies I've ever watched. Why? Because the plot is sincerely excellent! It's original and you just cannot guess what's going to happen. It was carefully thought and every single detail of the movie fits perfectly, like a puzzle. The performing of the actors was really good as well, and the movie didn't feel cheap or fake! I wish this movie would get more attention.

You should definitely give this movie a try, because you will not regret it.

"La Casa Del Fin De Los Tiempos" is a surprisingly well made thriller which have great performances, especially by Ruddy Rodríguez who really takes you into this story. Good screenplays, good editing and an excellent location also come with it.

There is a plenty of scenes that make you jump with a good storyline that catch your attention, really great sound editing and an excellent atmosphere bring this thriller alive. The progress of the movie goes in a good motion, not too fast not too slow and when it probably could be a little predictable still is a great experience to watch.

If you're a thriller fan, this movie will be enough for you.