A Candle for the Devil

A Candle for The Devil is a spine-chilling horror-thriller that was released in 1973. The film, helmed by director Eugenio Martín, is known for its tense atmosphere and gritty narrative that takes the viewer into a harrowing journey of unexpected frights. Starring Judy Geeson, Aurora Bautista, Esperanza Roy, this Spanish-English production triggers shivers down the viewer’s spine from the opening scenes and leaves an ominous echo even after it ends.

The film is set in the hot and dusty town of Andalusia. This setting provides the backdrop for a narrative that spins around two deeply conservative sisters, Marta (Aurora Bautista) and Veronica (Esperanza Roy), who run the Spanish La Paloma boarding house. They fiercely hold onto their traditional values, characterized by strict morality and religious piety. These serve as the facade to a horrifying secret that they carefully nurture and protect.

Meanwhile, Judy Geeson portrays the role of Laura, a young and vibrant British tourist who comes to stay at the La Paloma. Laura is accompanied by her sister, who mysteriously disappears after a quarrel with the two sisters running the inn. With her sister's inexplicable absence, Laura decides to extend her stay in the quest to unlock the mystery.

The film expertly unfolds the labyrinth of secrets and horrors the sisters have shielded in the quaint, tranquil boarding house. This ensures that the suspense factor is consistently maintained throughout the movie, advancing in a simmering tension that keeps escalating scene after scene. The plot develops, weaving a complicated web of intrigue and suspense, attracting the viewers into its lethal snares.

The story of A Candle for The Devil unravels at the intersection of sharp contrasts. Between the tranquil vistas of sunbaked Andalusia and the ominous undercurrents strangling the idyllic beauty, between the sweet-voiced Pilar (Lone Fleming), the charming waitress of La Paloma, and the gruesome realities hidden behind her pleasing demeanor, between the cheerful visitors and the escalating unease around the boarding house. This clash of serenity and horror constructs an eerie atmosphere that is both fascinating and terrifying.

A Candle for The Devil is equally appreciated for its top-notch performances. Judy Geeson’s energetic portrayal of the free-spirited Laura is indeed noteworthy and her encounters with the chilling sisters form a crucial part of the narrative. The sisters, performed by Aurora Bautista and Esperanza Roy, bring a distinctive element of fear to the plot, their severity contrasting Laura's youthful vivacity.

Moreover, Aurora Bautista's performance as Marta is particularly captivating, displaying a range of emotions from stern morality to hair-raising terror. Esperanza Roy complements her as the equally fearful Veronica. The performances are finely nuanced, painting convincing portraits of characters that are simultaneously revolting and pitiable.

The movie is also remembered for its outstanding direction and screenplay. Eugenio Martín masterfully maintains an uneasy calm throughout the movie while gradually arousing the viewers' curiosity. This anticipation is further heightened by a haunting score, courtesy of composer Antón García Abril. The soundtrack perfectly accompanies the spiraling suspense and the intriguing plot twists, adding another layer of complexity to the film.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the film offers quite a visual treat with its vibrant portrayal of Spanish countryside life. Every frame capturing the heat and dust of Andalusia is magnificently shot, almost making the location a character in itself as it delicately veils the horrors lurking beneath the surface.

Overall, A Candle for The Devil is a compelling blend of horror, suspense, and dramatic performances. It is a must-watch for enthusiasts of Gothic horror and suspenseful narratives. With a striking storyline, interesting characters, and an impressively terrifying screenplay, the film leaves a lasting impression on viewers.