A Casa do Fim dos Tempos

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 should not be placed in the genre of "Horror." This is a science fiction thriller mystery. While hard sci-fi is based on believable technology, soft sci-fi is based on mysterious elements which focus on other things. Think "2001: A Space Odyssey" vs. "The Time Traveler's Wife." This isn't a good movie "considering it is a product of Venezuela." It is a great watch because it is a well directed, realistically performed entertaining sci-fi short story with no plot holes or loose ends. If you feel there is one, watch it again.

Do not go into it expecting a horror film. It's better than that. It's about the mystery of what happens in this house at a time of marital trouble and childhood tragedies. What is it? Why is it there? How is it there? Find out.

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.

It might seem like it and technically you'd be correct if you call this another haunted house. But that would be just looking on the outside. I'd invite you to get into the house (yes it doesn't seem to be the brightest idea, but wait for it)! Actually the movie has a lot of heart, even when you think it is about to go horribly wrong.

You could also argue, that it all makes sense (in the end). More or less that is. Another factor are the actors. The story twists are one thing (also very nicely timed), but what really helps elevate this besides the clever script are the actors. There are even moments where you might feel a certain sadness and a Deja Vu towards the end third of the movie, that is just amazing. Try to stay open minded. My first/initial reaction wasn't a good one either, but as the movie moved along, I started to see things and it won me over

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".