The Wait

Set in the 70s rural Spain, director Javier Gutiérrez's THE WAIT offers a tragic Folk Horror tale that comes with familiar burnt yellow-ish color grading in a dry, sweaty landscape; evoking a feeling of despair & uncertainty in almost every frame,. The story takes place in the dark & mystical Andalusian countryside, a place marked by ancestral traditions. It follows Eladio who works as the groundskeeper of a hunting estate owned by the powerful Don Francisco. After taking a bribe from a local hunter, Eladio's normal life falls apart, plunging him into the depths of guilt, hatred, and revenge.

A pretty well executed Spanish slow burner that definitely deserve some attentions from then genre fans.

Beautiful filmography, it is dry, arid, opressive, good acting and an interesting and chilling premise. As you can see, the film has all the elements to be truly incredible, but unfortunately it is not. It just drags it self from one scene to another, while the storyline develops so slowly that it ends up testing your patience. I like slow burns, but when it is this slow, it ends up becoming a problem. There is no surprise or suspense at the climax, because you have already had too much time to unravel everything that is happening. It is a missed opportunity, however I can see a very talented director.

Gutiérrez's direction in La espera is a standout, combining strong psychological tension with effective horror. The film's unique approach to folk horror is compelling, delving into themes of guilt, greed, and despair. Set in the atmospheric Andalusian countryside, Gutiérrez's ability to create suspense and evoke a chilling atmosphere is impressive. His intimate storytelling adds layers of complexity to the narrative, elevating the film beyond typical genre fare. With sharp pacing and striking visuals, La espera is a must-see for horror fans looking for something fresh, intense, and thought-provoking.