As a cinephile who’s spent countless nights huddled under blankets during horror movie marathons, I can confidently say that Pedro Martín-Calero’s “The Wailing” is set to join the ranks of Spanish horror greats. The film’s ethereal, elusive antagonist, a haunting image that lingers long after the credits roll, is a testament to the power of fear and the imagination.
Spain boasts a rich and prolific history of crafting chilling horror films that push the boundaries of the genre and become timeless masterpieces both at home and abroad. Movies like “[Rec]”, “El Orphanage” by J.A. Bayona, Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-nominated “Pan’s Labyrinth”, are just a few examples. This year’s San Sebastian Film Festival is introducing another potential addition to this esteemed collection of modern classics – Pedro Martín-Calero’s “The Wailing”.
In the movie, three young females from different eras and distant locations encounter an intangible menace that is invisible even to them. This specter appears less as a physical entity and more like a peculiar play of light. Whenever the women try to face this presence, they all hear the same chilling screams.
At a midday press gathering before the Wednesday evening world premiere of their film in San Sebastian’s main competition, first-time director Martín-Calero along with his writing partner Isabel Peña (known for “The Beasts” and “The Candidate”), a highly skilled writer who often collaborates with Rodrigo Sorogoyen, were accompanied by the cast and production team to address an international audience of journalists.
Martin-Calero shared that the concept for “The Wailing” had been brewing in his mind for a while, largely stemming from a chilling image and some thoughts that lingered. He discussed these ideas with Isabel, and they began collaboratively writing the screenplay based on their shared vision.
Martin-Calero explained that the duo’s initial aim wasn’t to produce a complex conceptual piece. Rather, they wanted to craft a straightforward horror movie. The story would focus on vivid visuals, feelings, atmospheres, and most importantly, a plot involving a young woman being attacked in a nightclub by an enigmatic force representing ideas beyond the obvious. This entity would be challenging to comprehend, hiding layers of deeper meanings within it.
The director suggests that by crafting a mystical or otherworldly atmosphere in his movie, viewers can project their real-life anxieties onto its fantastical villain.
In many horror films, it’s often portrayed that victims aren’t believed, which sadly mirrors real-life situations today,” stated Pena. “This unsettling aspect of disbelief resonated with us, and we felt compelled to explore this theme in our work.
Originally, we aimed for a straightforward approach to explore the themes our co-writers were contemplating. However, the project expanded over four long years before filming eventually began in Madrid. Despite the extended effort, it appears the hard work paid off, as local film critics have showered the movie with accolades. In fact, they’ve compared it positively to contemporary arthouse horror masterpieces like “It Follows,” “Midsommar,” and “Hereditary.
The lead actor Ester Expósito, famously recognized for her role in Netflix’s worldwide phenomenon teen drama series “Élite,” is significantly boosting the film’s market appeal. Joining her are Mathilde Ollivier from France, who has been seen in Netflix’s “1899” and J.J. Abrams’ “Overlord,” as well as Malena Villa, an Argentine actress known for her part in Cannes Un Certain Regard title “El Ángel.” This talented ensemble is set to make a significant impact on the movie.
As per the director’s statements, having Expósito on board significantly benefited the filming process. He mentioned that she possesses a powerful aura, which made it intriguing to subvert audience expectations. Since she is renowned for her roles in teen dramas, casting her for such a serious part was an exciting choice. He thoroughly enjoyed working with her.
While “The Wailing” has received favorable responses, Martin-Calero expresses no urgency to revisit the horror genre. In fact, he admitted that he’s not particularly fond of horror movies, yet he hasn’t closed the door on directing another suspenseful or thrilling project.
Produced by the rising Madrid production house, Caballo Films – known for their backing of Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s films such as “The Beasts,” co-written by Peña, which received the Spanish Academy Goya Award for Best Picture last year and a French César for Best Foreign Film – is the film titled ‘The Wailing.’
The debut of the movie in San Sebastian was supported by Spanish broadcaster RTVE, Amazon’s Prime Video, and is marketed by Film Factory Entertainment. The theatrical distribution within Spain will be managed by Universal Pictures International Spain.
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2024-09-26 09:17