When Evil Lurks ★★★★

IN 2017 writer/director Demián Rugna announced himself as a horror talent to watch with the release of Terrified.

When Evil Lurks (2023) is another pearler from the Argentinian whose films combine the best of both horror aesthetics – a growing sense of dread and sudden, intense moments.

Unlike many other directors, Rugna also isn’t afraid to go where many others fear to tread, with harrowing moments of harm to children as well as adults.

His stories are steeped in Argentinian traditions, bringing a fresh approach to horror sub-genres and he has a good sense of how to combine practical and compute-generated effects to create seamless, maximum impact.

When Evil Lurks begins with two brothers finding a mutilated dead body and, on visiting a neighbouring farming property, find the family has been hiding one of their elderly members who has become possessed by an unborn demon and is slowly decomposing as the entity became stronger in readiness for its rebirth.

We discover that these so-called ‘Rottens’ are a fact of life and there are rules that must be followed to successfully drive them out.

But, in their haste, the brothers make mistakes that cause the demonic plague to spread and worsen.

You are best not knowing much more, suffice to say there are some truly impactful scenes that are best enjoyed by those of strong stomachs and wills.

When Evil Lurks is the best horror film of 2023 to date. It’s manna from heaven for horror fans.