When Evil Lurks (2023)

Scaife finds the film disturbing and truthful in its depiction of a world overtaken by human failures. He praises Rugna’s inventive, gradually revealed mythology and the way its shocking images emerge from character and context.

Nicholson finds the film an enjoyable, unpredictable horror thriller, though its rushed climax weakens the emotional payoff. She praises Rugna’s sustained dread and skillfully staged, brutal violence.

Harvey finds the film uneven but engrossing, ultimately calling it a bracing and unpredictable ride. He praises its atmospheric craft, especially the widescreen cinematography and unsettling score.

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The accessible text confirms this is a review, but does not reveal the critic’s verdict. The standfirst describes rural Argentine horror centered on an ancient evil.

Chapman finds the film feverishly mediocre, saying it squanders an intriguing premise and loses momentum in its second half. He praises the opening’s restrained world-building, which lets the audience piece together the rules of demonic possession.

Robinson calls the film a terrifying, memorable revival of possession horror. She particularly praises its carefully built world and family drama, alongside its strong performances and shocking practical effects.

The review finds the film an original, nightmarish horror story that is also exceptionally fun. It praises the restrained cinematography and score, while noting that some third-act actions are too mystifying.

The review praises the film as a disturbing, gory, and smart take on possession horror. It singles out Rugna’s expansive world-building and the way the story conveys a terrifyingly ordinary demonic infestation.

Hutchinson finds the film a brutally effective, dread-filled horror ride, despite some narrative weaknesses and a belabored setup. He praises its relentless, chaotic violence and willingness to deliver gruesome scares without pulling punches.

Kermode finds the film deeply unsettling and compelling, praising how its possession-plague premise explores the human response to catastrophe. She singles out its haunting atmosphere and moral challenge, while noting its devastating tragedy and disturbing violence against children.

The headline presents Rugna’s possession film as disturbing yet wonderful. It singles out the film’s horrifying approach to possession.