Atrocious

"Atrocious" is a Spanish found-footage horror film released in 2010, directed by Fernando Barreda Luna and starring Cristian Valencia, Clara Moraleda, and Chus Pereiro. The film takes inspiration from classic found-footage films such as "Blair Witch Project" and "Paranormal Activity”, combining both suspense and psychological horror elements in an immersive manner that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The film primarily follows the Quintanilla family, specifically the teenage siblings, Cristian (Cristian Valencia) and July (Clara Moraleda). Both siblings are drawn to the weird and unexplained, sparking their fascination for urban legends and amateur sleuthing. During their summer holidays, they journey to their family's evocative and isolated summer house within the heart of a secluded forest.

Their exploration is focused on one particular local urban legend, the so-called “Girl of Garraf”, purported to assist lost travelers in finding their way home. The riddles associated with the legend lead the siblings deeper into both the legend itself and the labyrinth-like forest surrounding their summer house. As the duo delves deeper, they begin documenting their adventure, aided by their handheld cameras, contributing to the film's compelling found-footage aesthetic.

Adding to the intrigue, their mother Debora’s (Chus Pereiro) peculiar behavior complicates the dynamics within the family. The mother’s character contributes a distinctive narrative layer, its implications subtly influencing the story and intensifying the tension.

Throughout "Atrocious,” the quintessential found-footage ambience is strategically manipulated to build suspense. Simultaneously, the film deploys the picturesque, visually stunning locales along with the eerie tranquility of the forest to create an unsettling contrast. The constant interplay between the somewhat idyllic summer vacation and the undercurrent of impending terror commandeers the narrative commandingly.

Throughout its runtime, the film demonstrates proficient craftsmanship in terms of its pace and timing. The initial portion of the movie predominantly revolves around character development and building a sense of foreboding. As viewers become familiar with the Quintanilla family and their idiosyncrasies, the escalating dread becomes culturally grounded in the family's dynamics resulting in a deep-rooted, realistic horror. The tension inexorably builds towards an intense climax that does not skimp on delivering genuine thrills and chills.

Performances by Cristian Valencia and Clara Moraleda earn commendation, especially considering the film’s reliance on the plausibility of their reactions to off-screen threats. Their portrayals of curious and slightly impish teenagers are incredibly organic, lending credibility to the nightmarish scenarios they find themselves in.

Chus Pereiro adeptly depicts the character of the troubled mother, subtly portraying an array of emotions that form an intriguing subplot within the broader narrative. Besides reaffirming the failings and fears associated with parenthood, her character serves as a dark mirror reflecting the internal fears and insecurities of the family – an element that compounds the psychological horror of the film.

"Atrocious" also makes smart use of the found-footage format, skilfully dodging some of the genre’s common pitfalls. Quick cuts, off-centre shots, and shaky camera movements collectively enhance the aura of dread and danger. The film however, doesn’t overuse these techniques, ensuring that they don’t distract from the narrative.

In conclusion, "Atrocious" provides an intense, suspenseful, and gripping viewing experience. With raw performances, eerie settings, and clever cinematography, it is an essential watch for found-footage horror aficionados and those seeking a fresh, visceral horror experience. Despite its relatively humble budget and indie status, the film delivers a masterclass in psychological horror, grounding its terror in a richly constructed atmosphere of dread. It is not a film for the fainthearted, but for those who enjoy an immersive and genuinely terrifying film, "Atrocious" does not disappoint.