REVIEW: “The Wait” (2024)

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for unconventional narratives and complex characters, I find myself captivated by “The Wait.” Director F. Javier Gutierrez has masterfully woven together elements from various genres, resulting in a cinematic tapestry that is as hauntingly beautiful as it is disturbing.


Directed by F. Javier Gutierrez, the film titled “The Wait” (or “La espera” in Spanish) is a gripping blend of folk horror and Greek tragedy. It incorporates aspects from traditional Westerns and dark fantasy, making it a captivating story that can be seen as both a thought-provoking moral allegory and a hard-hitting revenge drama. What makes this film stand out is the flawless way its elements come together, a testament to Gutierrez’s intricate attention to detail and unwavering focus.

The story, set in 1970, revolves around a family man named Eladio (Victor Clavijo), his wife Marcia (Ruth Diaz), and their 10-year-old son Floren (Moisés Ruiz). Due to a job opportunity, they relocate from the city to a barren countryside to manage a hunting estate owned by the influential Don Francisco (Pedro Casablanc). After three years, Eladio is training Floren for increased duties around the property. However, Marcia, disenchanted with their rural life, yearns for their urban existence.

REVIEW: “The Wait” (2024)

One day, Eladio encounters a local resident named Don Carlos (Manuel Morőn), who arranges hunting events for his affluent patrons. In a predicament, Don Carlos has overscheduled an upcoming hunt and requests Eladio to establish three more hunting posts on the property, bringing the total to thirteen. However, this goes against Don Francisco’s stringent instructions. Faced with a tempting bribe, Eladio upholds his principles and refuses. Nevertheless, Don Carlos discreetly approaches Marcia and discloses his proposal. Immediately, she starts urging her husband, labeling him as cowardly for not accepting the money.

Despite his strong reservations, Eladio ultimately succumbs to Marcia’s persuasion and takes up Don Carlos’ proposal. From that very instant, it becomes evident that he would come to rue his decision. A chilling feeling of foreboding swiftly envelops him, and following a series of unfortunate incidents, Eladio finds himself bereft – losing both his wife and son. This leaves him desolate on the estate, drowning in sorrow, plagued by visions, and tormented by guilt.

In this rephrased version: Gutierrez drives Eladio to the verge of insanity, and Clavijo vividly portrays his descent with striking precision. His intense acting, largely through facial expressions and body language, speaks volumes without much dialogue. The pride and self-assurance that once shone in his eyes are replaced by a chilling void. His sorrow stirs his agony, but it’s a fit of drunken fury and the resulting violence that pushes him towards a psychological precipice.

REVIEW: “The Wait” (2024)

In my opinion, as a film enthusiast, the second half of this movie takes a raw, primal twist, with director Gutierrez skillfully emphasizing the folk horror aspect. The visuals veer into the macabre and surreal, leaving us questioning the authenticity of what we’re watching – are these eerie scenes genuine or manifestations birthed from a tormented psyche? Fortunately, Gutierrez ensures that our protagonist, Eladio, maintains a foothold in reality. He clings to it through subtle hints that lead him towards solving an enigma that ultimately shapes the movie’s symbolically rich and intensely impactful conclusion.

“The Wait

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2024-10-07 17:56