Last night I went to a midnight screening of Fernando Barreda Luna's newest film, Atrocious. It's not only his newest film but also Spain's newest entry into the genre The Blair Witch Project singlehandedly created. Found footage films are usually hit-or-miss with me, either I'm thoroughly terrified or laughing at the goofs. Coming in at 75 minutes, Atrocious starts out slow, and then as it enters it's vicious and fast-paced third act spins a web of dark plot twists and horrifying scares.
Much of the film takes place inside a labyrinth made up of hedges that is located outside a remote home in Spain. The protagonists of the film are a brother and sister team who shoot films that investigate various urban legends. Atrocious takes this brother and sister film crew to a family home that is haunted by the ghost of a small girl who once got lost in the expansive and confusing hedge maze. Needless to say, as the two begin to venture into the secrets of the maze, people go missing and mysteries are uncovered. The film ends with a very intelligent twist that makes up for the 20 plus minutes spent running around in the dark screaming.
Overall, the film was a strong entry into the genre, and while not as good as REC, it still stands strong as a fun and frightening venture into the mind.
-Michael
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