O Caminho dos Mártires

If you want lots going on, a quick pace & jump scares galore, this will not be for you. If however, an eerie slow build, well done for the budget & with really excellent child performances ticks some boxes, this is definitely worth a watch.

The stand out here are the central performances of the 2 child actors, both are great finds with the little angel giving tour de force eeriness for her young years. Naturally good child actors don't come along that often in the UK, so these 2 could have an amazing career in acting, if that's what they want.

Very competently made, which doesn't sound like a compliment, but very much is, when compared to other films at this level, it's way above most of its competition.

A slow creeping dread, rather than big jumps, but it's all the better for that, so take a stroll down Martyr's Lane, if you dare.

As much as many horror genre fans hate to admit it, ghosts stories are deeply spiritual.

There's has been a resurgence of interest in the ghost story as an exploration of mortality in recent years. Films such as The Dark and the Wicked, Saint Maud and Relic for example all address death and loss almost exclusively as a spiritual experience.

In Martyrs Lane, all the usual Horror tropes are stripped bare, leaving only the only true significance of any ghost story; a contemplation on death.

It occasionally makes for some uncomfortable viewing. Perhaps one of the more successful aspects of this story was the way it incorporated faith and religion.

I think we've grown used to seeing the religion as some kind of superpower in the fight against demonic possession, here through, faith is effectively powerless as an instrument of change.

The acting performances and direction are incredible.

This is a touching exploration of our place in the world, our existence and a powerful reminder of how short our time on earth can me.

Good one. It's not a typical jumpscare film - working much better as a drama with a strong atmosphere- and thank god for that, because reading the plot I was thinking "just another generic ghost story".

The acting from the main children is absolutely incredible, so realistic, so credible. The relationships in the family very distinct and well crafted. The good vs evil vs grey area always there. Emotionally very strong and very well shot. It's a bit predictable, but it's a really good story avoiding a lot of clichés.

I found the movie to be very good, the acting of the main protagonist was formidable for her young age. It's a slow burn, demands patience, but delivers an emotional finale.

I wouldn't recommend it for the scary part, specially if you are a hardcore horror fan, but if you like movies with a gloomy, dark atmosphere, mystery and ghosts, you might enjoy this one!

7/10!

The two little girls' acting skills elevate an already engrossing story into excellence. The plot is not unique, but the production is so well done and the characters so engaging that it feels new and different.