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Immaculate (2024)

I am still trying to say at least one genuinely positive thing about every film I review, because I understand how incredibly difficult it can be to create. Especially a feature length film. I am often left in awe pondering the sheer amount of people and time needed to produce a big budget film like this one. And if I put this at the end of this review it will feel tacked on and meaningless. The best choice made in Immaculate is Cecilia’s return to nature, and therefore God, at the end of the film. We meet her in an airport and quickly follow her to a secluded convent where the vast majority of the film takes place. We are constantly reminded of the boundaries set by mankind and specifically the church. Despite her character’s actions, her return to nature, bathed in the light of the rising sun, reminds the audience that she is indeed the only remaining righteous character.

With that out of the way…

Film regarding religious horror has a long and storied history with as many different stories, subgenres, and artistic interpretations as much more broad genres. There are so many interesting questions surrounding religion and its relation to the human experience that artists may very well continue pondering and presenting them until the very moment we as a species finally cease to exist. Questions extending from the origin of humankind to their ultimate demise. From the very personal journey of finding or losing religion to the sad fact that often the masses are being told what religion is by a handful of the powerful and influential. Are we beset upon by demonic forces, or are the evils of mankind to blame? Who can save you from supernatural forces tasked with breaking you down physically, emotionally and spiritually? Why has so much blood been shed in the name of a “loving” and “forgiving” God? There is no shortage of inspiration for the modern philosopher as they turn their attention to religion.

Why? O, Why then do I feel that Immaculate has somehow missed all of these deeper, more interesting questions to focus on the inane surface questions which need no answer? A near-death experience leads a woman to a life of service to her church. Nothing special there. I am certain it happens all the time to varying degrees. It is a purely human circumstance to survive a harrowing event only to wonder afterwards what purpose you have on Earth to be one of the “lucky ones”. Especially if you credit your survival to God (or any deity). Then there is the question of religious institutions that are built on a promise of inevitable apocalypse. If the end is prophesied, what brings us closer to it? And would zealots of said religion attempt to bring that end to fruition out of a misguided promise of the afterlife? The answer is yes. Yes, some would, and have tried to bring about the apocalypse. Lastly, there is one mildly entertaining question in this film: If a religious institution decided to use science instead of rejecting it, how would they use that to their advantage? This is primarily only interesting because it is the Catholic Church in question. It is an institution that continuously updates its point of view on science. Even on points where they have in the past excommunicated or killed based on a member’s scientific findings. They often find themselves coming around to agree with the scientific community.

That’s it. Those are all of the questions Immaculate has prompted me to ask. None of which are explored deeply enough to elicit an answer, much less make the audience ponder their own thoughts on the depressingly shallow questions.

After all of this, you may be confused by the rating at the end of this review. I will simply say that I will at least attempt to watch nearly anything. Especially horror. Compared to the lifetimes of horror films that exist in the world, this is a well-made, competent film. It is well above the pure garbage one can find on any streaming service or buried in a retail bargain bin. However, for those of us that need more than lights, camera, action! this one will likely leave you disappointed.

6.5/10

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When Evil Lurks (2023)

Urban problems now encroach upon rural plots. Perceived governmental neglect and poor decisions driven by the cruelty and self-interests of the Owning class exacerbates the woes of the Renting class. In their desperation to save themselves and their loved ones, these Renters eventually return to the one thing they believe can deliver their salvation: spirituality. To disastrous results.

In the fictional world of 2023’s When Evil Lurks, written and directed by Demián Rugna, all the churches have closed their doors. After the presence of demons and demonic possessions became overwhelming in the larger cities, parishioners abandoned the places of worship. The very same churches that sold themselves as the bastion against these very horrors were ultimately impotent in the face of a crisis. So, the Renters look for this world’s version of attacking the spiritual with the scientific. All the while wrestling with their individual view of religion and spirituality, often steeped in folktale and rural tradition. Oh, and struggling to survive through the horror, grief and uncertainty of their circumstance.

Fine acting combined with (mostly) quality special effects brings the existential horror of the uncontrollable and unforeseen to the forefront. The dangers of neighbors. The struggles of criminal offenders attempting to return to a normal life after incarceration. The obvious jabs at government and organized religion. The socio-economic tensions between landlords and their tenants. And finally, an individual's struggle with spirituality when left to their own devices during the darkest moments of their life. Plus a lot of fun, scary movie imagery. Given, some of said imagery does little to nothing to further the message of any of these grandiose concepts. Some don’t even approach ironic character death which would come natural for most slasher-like films. All of which is mildly redeemed by a fearlessness to show the glorious gore without basking in it or glorifying it.

For a film so filled with things rightfully described as disgusting, repulsive, shocking and horrible; it is a strangely beautiful tale of desperation’s affect on a character’s decision-making. Yes, there are several stunning shots with subtle, natural lighting, but the more horrific shots (many of which are upsetting to the stomach as well as the eye) are the ones that truly stick out. It is clear this world is not yet lost to the grim dark, but it is tainted by the poison subsisting beneath and alongside it. The strangely beautiful comes from our protagonist’s personal feelings of helplessness and his attempts to overcome his perceived failings.

Whether or not Pedro is able to save himself and his family, physically or spiritually, I will leave unsaid here. I do fully recommend this film as a refreshing take on religious horror that deals with sprawling, heavy concepts that I also enjoy dabbling in from time to time. However, the film does not go far enough to provide any actionable response to the issues it raises, which would be far more satisfying to the viewer. Instead, we are left thinking of the inevitable consequences of fighting systemic problems with hurried decisions made under duress.

7.5/10