Spoilers are still shaking.

In case don’t know, Fantasia’s favourite genre is horror. I will always fall for international collaborations that unite horror ideas from different parts of the world. We’re in for a treat with this feature that combines talents from the UK, France, Argentina and Spain. However, this is one of those horror features that will require a captive audience, so casual popcorn audiences might not be willing to put in the focus it needs to bring you in. Let’s begin.

The Wailing (2024) is directed by Pedro Martín-Calero who wrote it with Isabel Peña. Now, this is a film which was a delight to watch as it rewards observant audiences with small little details that could easily be missed in the background. That background will be eventually come to the front. Our protagonists, Andrea (Ester Expósito), Marie (Mathilde Olliver) and Camila (Malena Villa) each have their own timeline of events as they are facing something that they cannot see… Unless it’s seen through a camera lens.

The whys and the hows are not necessary here. Unlike other films, you have no recourse but accept that this antagonistic entity is after you without knowing the reason. The more you know the less you seem to be able to avoid it. Long takes, sweeping pans of the camera just seem to amplify the tension as our protagonists seem unable to control their fate.

Extremely recommended for an appreciative audience willing to be drawn in. The film uses the silence and the long pauses in a very effective manner. The open ended finale will be controversial to moviegoers that expect resolution. Definitely for the horror crowd that is willing to wait with baited breath, for the killing blow.

That will do for now.