Review of The Abandoned (2006) by Richard A — 20 Aug 2007

Wow is how I sum up this little gem of unparalleled suspense. Not since Ils (Them) have I experienced such terror and jumped so much during a horror film. Controversial filmmaker Nacho Cerda gives us a much needed original horror yarn which kicks us in the guts and keeps us on edge. Try watching this one alone at night with all the lights out to get the full experience.

Cerda is well known for his short films such as Aftermath, a grotesque look at what may happen to dead bodies after they enter the hands of particular pathologist. Aftermath has gotten critical acclaim from both critics and horror film fans alike. Another great short film Cerda made was Genesis which features a tortured scultptor who after losing his wife produces a scultpture in her resemblence only to start a chain of mystical events.

The Abandoned focusses on a woman going back to her roots in Russia to figure out more about her family only to realize maybe she should have let things be. She meets a mysterious man who says he is her brother and the two then go on a terrifying and mind boggling excursion in the house they grew up in many years ago. Twists, turns and many scares are contained, you might also get a bit confused along the way but just think about the ending for a minute and you'll get it, even better, watch it again. The music and visuals really set the tone for this movie and make it all the better, some scenes made me jump out of my skin.

This was one of the films as part of the after dark filmfest and the only one I've seen out of all of them. This one is a keeper. Lets all hope and pray Cerda brings another film to light soon and that its as masterful as this one.