Luz: The Flower of Evil

Luz: The Flower of Evil is a spellbinding thriller from 2019 featuring Yuri Vargas, Andrea Esquivel, and Sharon Guzman. It is a Colombian film that uniquely blends elements of horror, western, and religious drama to offer an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The movie is set in an isolated mountaintop community, ensconced in the breathtaking beauty of nature. This secluded hamlet, enveloped by the grandeur of the mountains, the echoing silence, the verdant greenery, and thriving wildlife is an essential character in itself, contributing significantly to the movie’s eerie ambiance. However, this idyllic setting hides a dark underbelly, as it serves as the backdrop for a tale drenched in fanaticism, progressing towards inevitable darkness.

At the helm of the small commune is El Señor, a self-proclaimed prophet, who leads a handful of believers - the devout families who consider him as their spiritual guide. The community believes that they have been chosen by God himself for a divine mission. El Señor's three daughters - Laila, Uma, and Zion, portrayed by Andrea Esquivel, Yuri Vargas, and Sharon Guzman respectively, also play pivotal roles in moving the plot forward. The relationships and dynamics between these characters and the rest of the community are brilliantly depicted, adding layers of complexity to the story.

The narrative is driven by El Señor's belief that the trumpet he possesses is the last of the seven trumpets mentioned in the 'Book of Revelations' in the Bible. According to his interpretation, when the final trumpet is sounded, it signifies the end of all things. To fulfill this prophecy, El Señor is certain that the last trumpet must be blown by the so-called 'chosen child', a concept he preaches to his followers.

The plot spirals into chaos when the so-called chosen child is found. El Señor is desperate to prove his spiritual stature and push the divine prophecy towards the inevitable doomsday. However, his desolate search only unravels more delusions and frightening secrets that start to threaten the community's fragile peace and belief system.

As matters spiral out of control, the daughters start questioning their father’s beliefs, giving birth to an internal struggle within the community. Their increasing disillusionment with their father's madness and the societal norms they were blindly following threatens to destabilize and implode the religious harmony within the community. This internal upheaval punctuated by the external tension adds to the eerie suspense of the film.

The mystical and symbolic elements are beautifully woven together by director Juan Diego Escobar Alzate in Luz: The Flower of Evil. The ethereal backdrop, the unsettling soundtrack, and the sublime cinematography all converge to create an otherworldly and haunted sense of place, which is very effective in amplifying the suspenseful and mystical tone of the film.

Luz: The Flower of Evil is not just a tale of the horror that blind faith can lead to, but it also critically examines patriarchal society, religious symbolism, and the human psyche's inherent desire for spiritual salvation. It is a distinctive cinematic experience that astutely examines theological themes and manipulates them into a beautifully crafted visual journey.

Each element of the movie, from the performances to the striking visuals and eerie background score, contributes to the overarching feeling of pervading doom. Yuri Vargas, Andrea Esquivel, and Sharon Guzman deliver compelling performances, drawing audiences into the deep psychological struggles of their characters, keeping them engaged till the very end.

This film will definitely find appreciation with viewers who enjoy thought-provoking cinema which is not scared to delve into deep existential and theological debates. Luz: The Flower of Evil is a brilliant exploration of fanaticism, religion, and patriarchal norms, viewing them through a lens of horror and the supernatural. Shot amidst mesmerizing landscapes, with splendid performances from its lead actors, this film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys an exquisite blend of philosophical and horror cinema.