Just when I was thinking it has been a while since I watched a horror movie that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up along comes Terrified (2018) and duly obliges. I consider myself quite jaded when it comes to horror movies. This movie, however, delivers in a way that will terrify the casual horror movie viewer and entertain the veteran horror fan in equal measure.
Terrified is set in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Spanish is spoken so for those of us who are not fluent in Spanish it is a case of reading subtitles. That said, you could watch the film with no understanding of the words spoken and it would still be incredibly creepy. Don't let subtitles put you off, it is worth persevering.
The movie starts in such a mundane manner. A woman apparently is hearing voices in her kitchen, they appear to be coming from the sink and plumbing. The woman is scared, the voices are threatening to kill her. In the property beside them their neighbour is experiencing strange, supernatural events. He is unable to sleep, because someone or something is under his bed. Sounds corny? Trust me, it isnt. The police become involved as the events escalate. Unable to understand what is happening the police captain turns to an ex policeman, a doctor and her assistant for answers. The further they delve the more terrifying and confusing things become. Will they unravel the mystery or will the mystery unravel them. Watch the movie.
I would imagine by now you realise I like this movie. The premise of the movie is nothing new: the hunted house is as old as, well since people started living in houses. Perhaps there were hunted caves before that? Were this film excels is creating an extremely creepy atmosphere from start to finish. In terms of cinematography the film delivers. The acting is also very good, and the dialogue believable. The other aspect of the movie thst impressed me was the jump scares. Usually I can see a jump scare coming a mile off. This movie tricked me, like a boxer feinting a punch, it hit me.
Whilst the movie is very good, it does have it's issues. The movie never really gets at the heart of what is happening, what is causing these strange occurrences. A sequel would be great if it delves deeper. The ending was also a bit contrived and predictable in my opinion. Despite those issues I would strongly recommend this movie.
8 out of 10
Summary creepy atmosphere, well worth watching.