Terrified (originally titled Aterrados) is a 2017 Argentinian horror film written and directed by Demián Rugna. This film quickly gained international attention for its unsettling atmosphere, visceral scares, and unique approach to the supernatural. It’s a film that lingers in the mind, prompting discussions and leaving viewers genuinely disturbed.
Synopsis
The film takes place in a seemingly ordinary Buenos Aires neighborhood. There, a series of increasingly disturbing and inexplicable events begin to occur. An unseen force brutally attacks a woman. A young boy is found dead in the middle of the street. He reappears later. Strange figures lurk in the shadows. The neighborhood descends into chaos. A police detective and a team of paranormal investigators delve into the horrifying occurrences. They attempt to unravel the mystery behind these terrifying phenomena.
Analysis
Strengths:
One of Terrified‘s greatest strengths is its ability to create and sustain a palpable sense of dread. The film establishes a dark and unsettling tone from the opening scene that permeates every frame. The use of sound design, particularly the unsettling ambient noises and eerie silences, contributes significantly to this atmosphere. Terrified is not a film that relies solely on cheap jump scares. While it uses them effectively, its horror comes from the disturbing nature of the events. It also comes from the way the events are presented. The film features several truly terrifying sequences. These sequences are both shocking and deeply unsettling. They often rely on practical effects and unsettling imagery.
Furthermore, the film presents a unique and disturbing vision of the supernatural. The entities in Terrified are not easily categorized or understood, which adds to their horror. They seem to operate by their own rules, defying logic and comprehension, making them all the more frightening. The film hints at interdimensional forces, but never fully explains them, leaving much to the viewer’s imagination. The cast delivers strong performances, grounding the film’s supernatural events in a sense of realism. The characters’ reactions to the escalating horror feel genuine, making the audience more invested in their plight. Finally, the film’s pacing is brisk, rarely giving the viewer a chance to breathe. The narrative structure, while somewhat fragmented, effectively builds tension and keeps the audience guessing.
Weaknesses:
While the film’s ambiguity contributes to its unsettling nature, it can also be a point of frustration for some viewers. The lack of clear explanations for the events and the nature of the entities will leave some feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, while the performances are strong, some viewers will find the character development to be somewhat lacking. The film’s focus is primarily on the horror itself. This focus sometimes comes at the expense of deeper exploration of the characters’ backstories and motivations. Lastly, the film’s ending is somewhat abrupt and open-ended, which has been a point of contention for some viewers. While it adds to the film’s unsettling nature, it may leave others feeling that the story is unresolved.
Overall
Terrified is a chilling and effective horror film. It delivers a relentless barrage of scares. The film also creates a pervasive sense of dread. The film offers a fresh and disturbing take on the supernatural. It is a welcome addition to the horror genre, especially within Latin American cinema. While its ambiguous narrative and somewhat underdeveloped characters may not appeal to all viewers, the film excels in atmosphere. Its scares and unique approach to horror make it both memorable and deeply unsettling. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection and discussion about the nature of fear and the unknown.
To read the rest of my Monstrous Movie Reviews, click HERE! To add this film to your movie library, click on the Blu-ray movie cover below.
