Shiver

Directed by Isidro Ortiz and released in 2008, the Spanish horror movie "Shiver," showcases an uncanny blend of eerie suspense, psychological horror, and paranormal occurrences. Brillantly performed by Junio Valverde, Francesc Orella, and Mar Sodupe, every scene in the movie is designed to create an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.

The story primarily revolves around a young sensitive and introverted teenager, Santi (Junio Valverde), who suffers from a severe case of photophobia – a rare skin condition that causes an allergic reaction to sunlight. It is so severe that even the most minor contact with the sun causes blisters and severe burns on his skin. As a result of this potentially fatal condition, his life becomes restricted and confined within the four walls of his room, chasing away a normal childhood and alienating him from the world. He is constantly bullied and mocked by peers, which drives him further into his shell.

Santi's mother, played by Mar Sodupe, decides to move from bustling Barcelona to a dark secluded village in a valley named Los Girasoles, a place where direct sunlight is sparse due to the surrounding high mountains. Her hope is that the move will allow the sun-sensitive Santi to live a semblance of a normal life and perhaps connect with society. The change of scenery, however, only shifts the mode of Santi's torment rather than eliminating it.

The ominous village, Los Girasoles, is shrouded in mystery. It presents an eerie ambience, and local folktales describe the village as haunted. Despite the dark surroundings appearing ideal for Santi, he struggles to fit in and is met with hostility from the superstitious villagers who are wary of outsiders. Santi's arrival coincides with a series of inexplicable events and violent attacks, stirring fear among the village residents as they blame the newcomer for the unusual happenings in the aftermath of his arrival.

Francesc Orella portrays the role of a local police inspector, Dimas, who tries to take a more practical approach towards the mysterious events in the haunted village. He rejects the villagers' superstitions and strives to find a logical explanation against their irrational fear. Dimas's character adds the investigative and detective thriller element to the movie, as he takes it upon himself to unravel the underlying truth of these uncanny events.

Alternating between the real and supernatural throughout its narrative, "Shiver" indulges in the classic scare tactics with its clandestine forests, unknown beings lurking in the shadows, and the fear of the unknown. Along with these sequences, the movie also emphasizes the psychological horror of isolation, rejection, and the terrifying idea of being misunderstood, especially in Santi's character.

"Shiver" is not merely a horror film filled with jump scares and gore. Instead, it is a sophisticated psychological horror that intertwines the supernatural with complex human emotions. The movie delves into themes such as alienation, fear, stereotypes, and the struggle to belong, making it a heartrending human story while continuing to be a spine-chilling horror film.

The movie's atmosphere is visually stunning with its intricate slow-building tension maintained throughout the narrative. The haunting score accentuates the unnerving atmosphere, and the cinematography impressively captures the juxtaposition of Santi’s sunlit city past and his dark eerie present, painting a melancholic picture perfect for the haunted tale.

"Shiver" remains one of Spain's well made psychological horror movies, weaving a compelling and haunting story that stays with you long after the credits roll. The language of fear is universal, and this movie talks to that fear, making it a must-watch for fans of foreign horror-cinema and those seeking to experience fear beyond just jump scares and gore.