A Sinister Journey: Unveiling the Malevolence within 'When Evil Lurks'

This review was originally part of our coverage for the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

Throughout Demián Rugna’s horror film When Evil Lurks, there are multiple instances where the anticipation of violence lingers even before it occurs. One particular scene cruelly cuts back to something seemingly insignificant, while the characters, in a state of panic, remain unaware. Each cut serves as a loud proclamation of what is about to unfold. Instead of diminishing the moment's intensity, it amplifies it, causing all the carefully built-up elements to collide with fervor. Although it takes some time for these elements to truly captivate, due to a laborious setup and scattered distractions that dampen their impact, once they have a hold on you, there is no escape.

This is a stunningly gruesome horror film where tension is the primary focus, as it takes a familiar possession storyline and skews it towards a more disturbing and macabre realm. It demands its own sinister toll and emerges with much more than its fair share of bloodshed. While other films may hold back or play it safe in terms of real consequences, there is a constant and undeniable sense of impending doom lurking in every frame of When Evil Lurks. At times, it even evokes the raw energy of Sam Raimi's work more effectively than the recent Evil Dead Rise managed to accomplish. Although its narrative may not be as tightly structured as it could have been, it still veers off into chaotic territory precisely when necessary. However, whether you can stomach what this film has to offer is an entirely different matter.

What Is 'When Evil Lurks' About?

Image via IFC

The story unfolds when brothers Pedro (Ezequiel Rodríguez) and Jimmy (Demián Salomón) are startled by the sound of gunshots echoing from a nearby farm in rural Argentina. Sensing something amiss, they choose to postpone their investigation until morning. However, they are met with the gruesome aftermath of a merciless slaughter: a severed hand and the lower half of a body. Further exploration uncovers the presence of a possessed man, whom they dub a "rotten" due to his deteriorating state, nonchalantly occupying a nearby house. In an attempt to distance themselves from this apparent threat, they embark on a perilous mission, symbolizing how people often suppress existential dangers to maintain their sanity. Little do they know, their efforts trigger a chain of even more sinister events, plunging the entire region into chaos. As their pursuit to halt the imminent disaster intensifies, it threatens to dismantle everything they hold dear.

'When Evil Lurks' Lays Waste to Everything

The film lacks refinement, with a few distracting visual effects scattered throughout. However, it compensates for these flaws by wholeheartedly embracing chaos. Once the action kicks off, nothing is off-limits and no one is safe. This film is not suitable for the faint-hearted, as characters meet their demise with relentless brutality. Although there is some narrative buildup leading to this point, once the brothers hit the road, they demolish everything in their path. The film gradually reveals details about past family conflicts, but these revelations are soon overshadowed by the characters' swift obliteration. It is a shocking turn of events, but it aligns perfectly with the overall direction of the story. Even if the brothers were not completely out of their depth, which they consistently are throughout the entire film, it is unlikely they would stand a chance against the onslaught they have unleashed.

Image via IFC

As the possibility of fighting back arises in the film, it starts to stumble slightly by overly defining the horror that envelops the characters. However, it becomes evident that these explanations are mere conjectures from individuals who are equally uncertain. One of the most well-executed jokes emerges when a character outlines all the things one should not do when dealing with supernatural forces, only to then proceed to do them. This moment not only elicits a chuckle amidst the film's relentless energy, but also complements the overwhelming sense of dread that permeates every scene. The violence depicted in the film possesses an absurdity: while undeniably bleak, it showcases Rugna's willingness to utterly destroy the world he has created. And just when you believe there couldn't possibly be more head trauma, he introduces even more.

The content reaches its peak with an ending that resembles something straight out of a Scooby-Doo episode. The characters inexplicably separate, leaving viewers wondering why, aside from the need for more deaths to occur. The specific reasoning behind these actions is brushed aside in order to satisfy the film's thirst for violence. The way in which this all unfolds is filled with tension, as unsettling children lurk in the background before unleashing further brutality. Just when you think the chaos has subsided, the film takes it a step further, delivering a final blow that truly tops off the blood-soaked experience. It's a nauseating conclusion that may leave you regretting taking it all in. Overall rating: B.

The Big Picture

When Evil Lurks is a brutally violent horror film that effectively builds tension and delivers gruesome scares.

The film fearlessly embraces chaos, putting every character at risk, showcasing a refreshing boldness that sets it apart from other genre movies. Despite some narrative flaws, its unwavering energy and sheer absurdity captivate, creating an enthralling and anxiety-inducing viewing experience.

When Evil Lurks is now available to stream on Shudder.