Italian
Spirits of the past: Guillermo Amoedo’s ‘Loved Ones’ redefines horror
A new vision in horror cinema
In the ever-evolving landscape of horror cinema, few directors manage to consistently push the boundaries of the genre. Guillermo Amoedo, a name synonymous with innovative horror, is set to make waves once again with his latest project, Loved Ones (Seres Queridos). This film, produced by Onza Américas, promises to deliver a fresh and disturbing take on the post-apocalyptic narrative.
The allure of originality
When the script for Loved Ones landed on the desk of Onza Américas’ Senior Vice President, it was clear that this was no ordinary horror story. The originality of the plot and the unsettling universe it presented captivated the production team. Collaborating with Amoedo, a prominent figure in Latin American horror, was seen as an honor and an opportunity to bring a unique story to a global audience.
A director’s journey
Amoedo’s previous work, The Inhabitant (El Habitante), achieved remarkable success, both in theaters and on streaming platforms. His ability to craft compelling horror narratives has earned him a dedicated fanbase. As a former co-writer with Eli Roth on films like The Green Inferno and Knock Knock, Amoedo has always sought to bring a visionary and rare angle to his scripts.
Breaking the mold
In a genre often dominated by remakes and formulaic films, Amoedo’s approach stands out. He draws inspiration from recent genre-defying hits like Smile, Barbarian, Talk to Me, and Demian Rugna’s When Evil Lurks. These films have shown that there is a ravenous audience for fresh and innovative horror.
“Each new film that seeks to break out of the mold and present something different motivates us screenwriters and directors to follow that same path,” Amoedo reflects. “Not to imitate what they did, but to continue discovering and presenting horror films through new approaches, themes, and staging that haven’t been seen until now.”
The inexhaustible source of horror
Despite the prevalence of remakes, the horror genre remains a wellspring of new ideas. Amoedo believes that when done well, horror films can attract large audiences with relatively small budgets compared to big Hollywood productions. With Loved Ones, he aims to provide a new vision of the subgenre, combining tension and terror with a dramatic situation that has never been seen before.
A haunting narrative
The story of Loved Ones unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where the ghosts of deceased loved ones have decimated the living. Only those who were unloved or emotionally detached have survived. A weary mother and daughter navigate this bleak landscape, adhering to a cruel decree to avoid becoming too attached to one another.
“Any person who loved their mother, their son, their brother, or their lover, and was loved back by that person, has been persecuted and killed by the spirit of their loved one,” Amoedo explains. “Loving someone, becoming friends, is a death sentence in this place.”
A twist on the post-apocalyptic genre
Amoedo’s idea for Loved Ones was born from a desire to give a new twist to the post-apocalyptic horror subgenre. While zombies, robots, and aliens have often been the harbingers of humanity’s downfall, an apocalypse caused by spirits or ghosts is a novel concept.
The challenges of genre filmmaking
Having worked on productions in Latin America and abroad, Amoedo is well aware of the challenges faced by genre filmmakers. Despite the success of horror films, the industry often favors comedy with recognized actors, leaving other types of films, like horror, without funding.
“Unfortunately, in Latin America, despite their constant success stories, genre projects tend to be looked at disdainfully by an industry that prefers to bet mainly on comedy,” Amoedo admits.
The impact of streaming algorithms
In recent years, the rise of streaming platforms has added new obstacles for genre films. Platform executives often rely on algorithms to make decisions, favoring content that has previously been successful. In Latin America, this has predominantly been comedy, creating a vicious cycle that sidelines innovative genre films.
“Unlike drama or comedy, terror has to continually validate itself before the studios or producers,” Amoedo notes. “When there’s a good genre story with novel and risky elements behind it, there will always be a high possibility of success for this type of film.”
Discover more
For those eager to delve deeper into Guillermo Amoedo’s haunting vision, check out the trailer for Loved Ones. This film promises to be a chilling addition to the horror genre, offering a fresh perspective on post-apocalyptic narratives.
In the realm of horror, Guillermo Amoedo continues to be a beacon of innovation, challenging conventions and delivering stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. Loved Ones is poised to be another milestone in his illustrious career, captivating viewers with its unique blend of terror and drama.
