Ellos Volvieron

Ellos Volvieron is a suspenseful, unsettling, and oddly touching exploration of absence, loss, and the enigma of recovery from a unique twist involving children. This 2015 film, directed by Iván Noel, stars promising young talents Valentina Sartorelli, Juan Ignacio Molina, and Lauro Veron.

The film begins in a seemingly peaceful, rustic town, where routine goings-on are about to be shattered by an inexplicable phenomenon. Three children inexplicably disappear and after being found a few days later, shockingly, the once lively, happy-go-lucky children are emotionally unresponsive. They are devoid of joy, enthusiasm, and the innocence synonymous with childhood.

Although physically unharmed, their eerie transformation acts as a catalyst for the storyline, with the events thereafter forming the body of this puzzling drama. Their odd state stirs fear among the locals, largely unprepared and ill-equipped to deal with situations of this magnitude. The affected families desperately seek answers, looking to the medical fraternity, religious setup, and educational institutions for some kind of explanation. But with no tangible solutions, the situation becomes increasingly tense, leading to widespread panic and fear.

The performances by the young actors are commendable. Valentina Sartorelli, Juan Ignacio Molina, and Lauro Veron portray their respective roles with an impressive range of emotions. The authenticity of their acting adds depth and intensity to their inexplicable condition, making the viewer feel every bit of the unsettling predicament. Their seemingly robotic behavior contrasts sharply with the rustic setting, perfectly captured through cinematography that leaves a lasting impression.

Ellos Volvieron, despite its eerie theme, has a significantly emotional undertone. The desperation of the family members and friends is palpable, as they grapple to understand the sudden transformation and loss of innocence in their children. The situation not only disrupts their harmonious village life but brings to the surface a host of fears and anxieties they might not have imagined.

The director, Iván Noel, paints a poignant picture of the tight-knit community being torn apart by an unexplained phenomenon, creating a perfect balance between fear and empathy. The film isn't a typical horror movie, but it does flirt effectively with elements of the genre. Through a slow-burning narrative, the film explores themes of loss, ignorance, and fear on a societal level, using the children’s oddities to reflect on wider, and perhaps more frightening, truths.

The movie is chillingly punctuated with haunting scenes, thought-provoking dialogues, and cleverly crafted unease. However, what sets Ellos Volvieron apart from other films in this genre is that it leans heavily on psychological horror rather than the physical one. We, as an audience, are invited to consider not just the strange occurrences affecting the children, but more significantly, the very human response of fear in the face of the unexplained.

Ellos Volvieron is a rare find, unsettling and thought-provoking, with the power to provoke reflection on universal human fears. The strength of this film lies in its ability to make us question and confront our own fears concealed deep within, making us wonder how we, too, might react in the face of such unknowns.

The film's atmospheric setting, haunting score, and maturely handled plot ensures that the viewer remains engaged till the end. This Argentinian film serves as a potent reminder of cinema's power to explore societal forces, human responses, and everyday fears, all through the lens of a small rustic town grappling with unsettling occurrences.

For those seeking a different kind of suspenseful drama, Ellos Volvieron successfully achieves its goal. It's a vivid exploration of fear of the unknown, a beautifully crafted psychological horror film courtesy of Argentina. It's an achievement in the genre, surely worth your time. The mysteries the children and townfolk grapple with, their responses and the eventual conclusion all combine to create a motion picture experience that's both moving and unforgettable.