EIFF2008: Shiver

Another Spanish chiller this time but while it provides ample chills and a few decent frights, it's not really in the same league as recent Spanish efforts such as THE ORPHANAGE. In fact, it's not even as good as its fellow EIFF film THE APPEARED.

The story sees a young boy with a strong allergy to sunlight retreating to a country village with his mother to get away from it all, only to wander into another world of horror. I don't want to say too much that might give away the story, but I can't help remarking on one aspect, which is the boy's condition. It doesn't actually serve any purpose other than giving them a reason to move.

That's not so much of a problem in itself, but it does beg the question - why set up such a bizarre medical condition when ultimately it has very little to do with the pay-off? He could have had any old common or garden illness really.

The other problem I have is that many of the action scenes, particularly towards the finale, take place in a darkened forest and, combined with the shaky cam, it's almost impossible to see what's going on. It's a common problem with movies these days but that doesn't mean it's acceptable.

These flaws aside, this is still a strong enough horror to merit a recommendation, but it's not likely to get the kudos heaped on THE ORPHANAGE.