During the last half of the 90s, Mexican cinema had a resurgence that has kept constant through these days. Movies like "Cilantro y Perejil", "Sexo, Pudor y Lágrimas" and "Todo el Poder" were only the beginning of this modernization in which the Mexican cinema basically resurrected from the underground state it had been living even in its homeland. "Sobrenatural" was one of the first "new Mexican cinema" films to come out, but what makes it stand out even among other Mexican movies, is the fact that it is the only horror movie of that generation.
"Sobrenatural" is the story of Dolores Berthier (Susana Zabaleta), a young woman that is emotionally affected after witnessing how her best friend is killed at her apartment's doorstep. Her husband Andres (Alejandro Tommasi), afraid of the violent city, prefers that Dolores stay in the apartment as she recovers from her emotional breakdown. But the greatest danger is not outside, but inside, where Dolores begins to experience what seems to be a series of supernatural events apparently linked to her friend's death. Is this witchcraft or is she only delusional?
Directed by Daniel Gruener, "Sobrenatural" is a story of paranoia, isolation and confusion set in an apartment in the same style of Polanski's Apartment Trilogy ("Repulsion", "Le Locataire" and "Rosemary's Baby"); the film is filled with many references to Polanski's work and in fact the English name of the film is "All of Them Witches", a clear reference to "Rosemary's Baby". Gruener crafts a movie that pays true homage to its influences without being too much of a rip off and keeping a distinctive style.
The story, by Gabriel González Meléndez, uses effectively the suspense and mystery, focusing on Dolores' own fears, paranoia and disbelief; even when the story drags a bit, it is never a problem and doesn't become tedious or boring. Elements such as the fear to the outside world and the fight between science and spiritualism are also among the themes explored and while at times the film feels rushed, it moves at the right slow pace for the most part. Gruener's camera-work enhances the atmospheric tone of the film relaying more on mood and dread than in graphic gore or sudden scares.
Susana Zabaleta gives an inspired performance and carries the movie with grace and power. Most of the success of the film relays on her and she succeeds as Dolores, a woman who is discovering a world bigger than what she thought. Tomassi is less convincing, and is probably the weakest link in the cast. Ricardo Blume as Dolores' psychiatrist and Delia Casanova as Madame Endor are very good in their parts and a small but effective cameo by the legendary Roberto Cobo completes a, for the most part, well assembled cast.
Gruener's horror film is not without flaws, as at times the pacing feels too rushed for the kind of film he tries to achieve. The script has some problems although for the most part it is very well developed. The film had some changes done by the studio that produced it, so one can't be sure if this is exactly what Gruener desired; however, the result is quite good and certainly better than the average horror film.
"Sobrenatural" may not be a perfect film, but it is a different option for those wanting to discover modern horror films that don't relay on typical themes. Polanski's fans will appreciate the film's many references to his work and horror fans interested in foreign cinema may find it refreshing as it is an atypical and very well done Mexican horror film. 7/10
