Terrified

Terrified (2017), oroninally known as "Aterrados" in Spanish, is an Argentinian horror film that chronicles a series of bone-chilling occurrences in a seemingly normal neighborhood. Directed by Demián Rugna, it features an ensemble cast including Maximiliano Ghione, Norberto Gonzalo, and Elvira Onetto.

The movie begins in Buenos Aires with a seemingly ordinary couple. The wife alleges that she is hearing voices from the pipes in the kitchen, along with other inexplicable noises, while her husband dismisses these occurrences, attributing them to old plumbing and her hyperactive imagination. The scenario quickly escalates unpredictably, propelling the viewers into a mysterious and terrifying narrative that may leave them questioning their sense of reality.

Maximiliano Ghione plays the charismatic and restrained protagonist, Funes. Funes, a detective, who after being called to investigate the strange happenings in the neighborhood, finds a string of gruesome deaths and bizarre, seemingly supernatural activities in the same block. Unable to explain these unsettling occurrences through rational thinking and typical investigative methodologies, he enlists the help of three parapsychologists - Mora Albreck, Jano, and Rosentock.

With powerful performances, Norberto Gonzalo and Elvira Onetto portray Jano and Rosentock, respectively. They represent the intellectual force trying to unravel the mysteries shrouding the community. What they encounter is a vortex of unseen forces and crippling fear, far beyond any textbook knowledge or field experience.

Genuine performances are one of the highlights of the film, keeping viewers on pins and needles. Characters grapple with the quintessential fear of the unknown, and their human vulnerability becomes palpable as they face sinister forces that defy comprehension.

The movie injects its premise with a fresh dose of originality, avoiding typical horror movie tropes. Instead, Terrified strides into the unnerving territory of the supernatural, blending elements of horror and mystery effortlessly. Demian Rugna demonstrates his mastery by effectively building tension in key scenes, rendering simplicity as the greatest asset of the narrative. The film does not shy away from exploiting quiet moments or rendering an intense minute or two with chilling terror.

Terraced houses, a plain suburban neighborhood, and the everyday face of Buenos Aires are used as the backdrop to the uncanny events. The Mrating horror is made more unsettling by the familiarity of these everyday scenes, heightened by elaborate sound design and ambient lighting, adding layers of dread to these age-old settings. It embraces a minimalist approach, creating an atmosphere of unease and tension rather than jumping to graphic violence or gore.

Besides offering an engaging narrative, Terrified also offers social commentary. Director Rugna cleverly weaves in a discourse on skepticism and belief, scientific rationality against the inexplicable paranormal, and our intrinsic fear of the unknown. It is a treatise on opening oneself to possibilities beyond accepted realms of knowledge and comprehension.

In terms of filmmaking, the movie features strong direction, production design, and overall cinematography. The film's mood is set with dimly lit scenes paired with ominous, often stark, sound effects. This ambience effectively creates an unsettling aura, making the audience anticipate every upcoming horror scene. The blend of suspense and outright horror moments adds to the dynamic pacing of the film, making every scene unpredictable.

Critically acclaimed for its storytelling and direction, Terrified has made its mark in the world of horror. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre, promising an undeniably tense and eerie cinematic experience. It showcases not just the conventional horror elements but also combines them into a nightmarish reality including uncanny occurrences, sudden disappearances, and unexplained phenomena.

Undeniably, Terrified will keep you questioning and on the edge till very end, achieving what most horror movies aim for – keeping you truly terrified. It offers a compelling narrative, splendid performances, and well-crafted intricate scares that remain etched in memory long after the credits roll.