Italian
Spain’s horror legacy continues with “The Wailing”
Spain has a rich history of producing horror films that transcend borders and become timeless classics. From Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza’s [Rec] to J.A. Bayona’s El Orphanage and Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, Spanish horror has consistently pushed the envelope. This year, the San Sebastian Film Festival introduces a new contender to this illustrious list: Pedro Martín-Calero’s The Wailing.
A haunting narrative across time and space
The Wailing tells the chilling story of three young women, separated by decades and continents, who are haunted by an elusive, ethereal threat. This entity, more a trick of light than a physical being, manifests itself through a terrifying wail that the women hear whenever they attempt to confront it. The film’s unique approach to horror, focusing on atmosphere and sensation rather than overt scares, sets it apart in the genre.
Behind the scenes: Crafting a modern horror classic
During a press conference ahead of the film’s world premiere, debut director Pedro Martín-Calero and co-writer Isabel Peña shared insights into the film’s creation. Martín-Calero revealed that the idea for The Wailing stemmed from a haunting image and a few nascent ideas. Collaborating with Peña, an accomplished writer known for her work with Rodrigo Sorogoyen, the duo aimed to create a “simple” horror film that relied heavily on imagery and atmosphere.
“We wanted to create a scenario where a young woman in a nightclub is attacked by an insidious force, symbolizing deeper, more complex themes,” Martín-Calero explained.
Peña added that a common theme in horror movies is the disbelief of the victim, a concept they found particularly resonant in today’s world. This theme became a central element of their narrative, making the film’s horror feel both personal and universal.
The journey from concept to screen
Although the initial plan was to create a straightforward horror film, the development process stretched over four years. The effort paid off, with local critics praising The Wailing and comparing it to modern arthouse horror hits like It Follows, Midsommar, and Hereditary.
A stellar cast elevates the film
The film’s commercial appeal is bolstered by its lead actor, Ester Expósito, known for her role in Netflix’s global hit Élite. Joining her are France’s Mathilde Ollivier, known for 1899 and Overlord, and Argentina’s Malena Villa, star of El Ángel. Martín-Calero praised Expósito’s performance, noting her “brutal presence” and the pleasure of working with her.
“Casting Ester was a real boon for the production. We wanted to play with expectations, casting someone known for teen drama in such a serious role,” he said.
Future prospects and production details
Despite the positive reception, Martín-Calero expressed no immediate plans to return to the horror genre, admitting he’s ”not really a big fan” of horror films. However, he did not rule out the possibility of directing another thriller in the future.
The Wailing is produced by Caballo Films, a rising Madrid-based production company known for backing Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s films, including The Beasts, which won the Spanish Academy Goya award for best picture. The film’s San Sebastian premiere was supported by Spanish broadcaster RTVE and Prime Video, with Film Factory Entertainment handling sales. Universal Pictures International Spain will manage its domestic theatrical distribution.
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