Asmodexia

Since 2010 or so, exorcism horror movies appear to be totally hip again. Personally I have never been a big fan of this sub genre (and even think that some of the greatest classics are a tad bit overrated), so I couldn't yet bring myself to watch all those similar looking and clichéd sounding new titles like "The Last Exorcism", "The Possession", "The Devil Inside" or "The Rite". At this year's edition of the Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Films, however, I was immediately intrigued by a modest and rather anonymous little Spanish effort entitled "Asmodexia". The poster art looks creepy, the title alone sounds intriguing already and – most of all – the plot appears to be more original and ambitious than the average "innocent young girl possessed by the devil" vehicle. Unusual as it may sound, debuting writer/director Marc Carreté comes up with the creative idea to blend the exorcism rites with a kind of road-movie concept and, moreover, even link it to the infamous 2012 Maya-predicted apocalypse. Elroy de Palma, formerly the leader of a creepy hippie cult, roams around the Barcelona area with his 15-year-old granddaughter Alba in order to perform exorcisms. The phenomenon of demonic possession strangely turned into a kind of virus that spreading fast, especially among the most vulnerable members of society like children, mental patients, and drug addicts. They are also pursued by wicked disciples of Elroy's old sect, and they are particularly interested in Alba's pure virgin soul. "Asmodexia" is an extremely tense thriller with a constantly grim atmosphere and an intelligent (albeit slightly too convoluted) screenplay. Several sequences (notably the ones shot inside the mental asylum) are disturbing and the finale is sublime and much more satisfying than any other exorcism-horror I've seen. The modestly budgeted film also benefices from slick and impressive camera-work and a moody soundtrack. There's also a more than decent amount of shocks and bloodshed, for the sick puppies among us, and the acting performances are very adequate. If you choose to watch your next exorcism-horror film, why not make it this Spanish one?

Ever since the seminal film from 1973, exorcisms have been a thriving subject for various horror productions. Director and co-writer Marc Carreté's story provides something a little different. We are still treated to 'wailing and gnashing of teeth' as we would expect when demonic forces are expelled from the human host, but this Spanish film concentrates more on the exorcists themselves. Fifteen-year-old Alba (Clàudia Pons) and her grandfather Eloy de Palma (Lluís Marco) travel from city to city to help the possessed, usually comprising of those existing in the lower end of society.

Jordi Dalmau's excellent score is worth mentioning because it enhances the dread. When we realise that even those we thought of as the 'good guys' turn out to have dark secrets of their own, we're inclined to believe that nowhere is safe. Well worth a watch. My score is 7 out of 10.

Lots of overacting and a bit of underacting, with very few scares and a predictable ending. Impossible to like any of the characters. There are far better exorcism movies than this mess.

Five days in the lives of exorcist Eloy de Palma (Lluis Marco) and his granddaughter Alba (Claudia Pons), working in the Barcelona area.

We get a strong opening, with great use of camera technique and color, along with a gripping score from Jordi Dalmau. The New York Times refers to Dalmau's work as "an eerie, echoing sound design of plinking pianos and ghostly choirs." It is that and much more. Of course, this level of greatness is not maintained for the full duration, but it really showcases the potential of those involved.

Adam Clarke has reviewed the film mostly positively, saying it is "full of interesting ideas" and singling out the cinematography of Xavi Garriga (in his feature film debut). What Clarke appreciates most is the "switching genres" between "exorcism, police procedural and apocalypse drama." He is absolutely right for singling out Garriga, who hopefully continues to make more films. If nothing else comes of this, Garriga should have a bright career.

Some people may be turned off my the subtitles, but that is their loss. While this may not be the greatest film in the exorcism category of horror films, it is different enough that it should be praised for its originality. A new twist on an old theme, with some imagery that evokes comparisons to David Cronenberg's early work? Keep your eyes on this one.

People should stop putting a "horor" label on every movie where the Devil appears! This is not a horor, this is a comedy, very bad one. I never thought I could fall asleep while watching a "horror" movie...Soooooo boring, it hurts how boring this film is! Incredibly bad acting. Uh! I will put this director on the my blacklist and never, but NEVER again watch any of his films anymore.This was such a waste of time!