jordidroj Reviews

Flowing (2022)

Blood, tears and rain

[9/10 · 10 November 2022]

In the past few days Rome has been the scene of a singular event: when it rains, the manholes exhale a dense steam whose origin and composition is unknown. No one can imagine that whoever breathes in the mysterious substance will have to deal with what he/she represses, their darkest instincts, their anger. Not even the Morel family.

8.5/10

Last one from Sitges. Flowing moved me more than scaring me (even though it did a couple of times) and it felt good. This is a film about family trauma and it gets darker and bloodier by the minute, but what really makes it worth watching is the fact that it tries to reach a someway brighter place. Idk about you, these days I need a little hope. Thumbs up!

Diabolik (2021)

His name is Diabolik

[7/10 · 8 October 2022]

"The dark and romantic story of the first meeting between master thief Diabolik and Eva Kant, set in the fictional state of Clerville in the late 1960s. Inspector Ginko is on the hunt for the criminal, trying to stop his evil plans."

7/10

I wasn't familiar with the original comic but it was still a fun watch. I liked the old-style set pieces as well as the charismatic main character. The tone of the film is very particular and probably not for everyone, but there was something fascinating about it. It is certainly a very different superhero movie, and if you're tired of Marvel standardization, this may be right for you.

Hunt (2022)

Korean spy story

[8/10 · 8 October 2022]

"Agents of the Korean National Intelligence Service (KNIS), Pyung-ho at Int'l Dept. And Jung-do at Domestic Dept. Are both independently hunting a North Korean mole within the agency. During this investigation, they come face to face with an unbearable truth and must deal with an unthinkable plot to assassinate the South Korean president."

7.5/10

Action packed directorial debut of Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae. I entered the screening here at Sitges knowing nothing about this film. It's a gripping and violent political thriller, only problem is that as the story goes on it becomes very confusing and it was hard for me to keep my attention at times. That said, the unrelenting action and the strong lead performances made me forgive the convoluted plot and enjoy the film.

Polaris (III) (2022)

Wilderness madness

[8/10 · 8 October 2022]

"Set in 2144 against the harsh backdrop of a subarctic wasteland, SUMI, a human child raised by MAMA POLAR BEAR, narrowly escapes capture from a brutal MORAD hunting party and sets out across the vast winter landscape. When Sumi stumbles across FROZEN GIRL, an unlikely friendship is forged and together they race ahead of the vindictive hunters towards the only guiding light Sumi knows, the POLARIS star."

7.5/10

I have to admit this kind of film is not my usual cup of tea, BUT this is what I love about Sitges, having the chance to explore new territories. This is a bold and expertly crafted picture, with a strong lead child performance, so it deserves at least an extra half star for the effort. And I loved the made-up language!

Evil Eye (2022)

Witchcraft from Mexico

[7/10 · 8 October 2022]

"Nala, a 13-year-old girl from the city, travels with her family to her grandmother's home in the countryside, to try to find a cure for her little sister's mysterious illness - But she'll soon find her granny is not exactly what she seems."

7/10

A kind of folk horror about the cruelty of time. I find Mexican and Spanish horror films very different and I like to explore other Latin genre flicks. This is the first film I watch by Isaac Ezban and I got to admit that it felt like a pleasant surprise.

Sure, I hoped to find more subtext and it certainly have its plot flaws, but overall it's a solid horror picture.

Manticore (2022)

Tragically beautiful

[9/10 · 7 October 2022]

"A video game designer's trauma following a fire manifests in a frightening obsession."

9/10

Wow. I know this will be an unpopular opinion but I think this is the best picture by Carlos Vermut. Obviously you have to like slow burns - but I actually do and this is a hell of a slow burn, beautifully acted and directed!

It explores complex themes, offering the audience an unsettling yet stimulating experience.

It takes a while to get going, but if you stick with it you will be rewarded with an unnerving, disturbing and ultimately brave third act. I promise you won't forget it anytime soon.

This is an uneasy watch, but it's definitely worth it.