You Don’t Want To Miss These Argentinian Horror Films—Here’s Why
It’s no secret that Latin American horror films are becoming increasingly popular in the 2020s. At the forefront are a couple of countries making strides within the genre and gaining tremendous recognition. But as of late, more specifically within the last two years, Argentina has been consistently releasing genre films that have quickly become fan favorites. This is thanks to some directors such as Demián Rugna with his films Terrified (2017) and When Evil Lurks (2023), as well as the “También Lo Vi” segment in Satanic Hispanics (2024).
Another prominent Argentinian genre director is Pablo Parés. He recently released the colorful punk splatterfest Pussycake (2021). Parés and Hernán Sáez are also responsible for kickstarting the genre within the country with his directorial debut Plaga Zombie (1997). But alongside Demian Rugna and Pablo Parás, other directors have been making a name for themselves as well. Within the boutique label realm is a pair of Argentine brother directors who have amassed a cult following through two films: Luciano and Nicolás Onetti.
With their latest horror film 1978 on the festival circuit, I wanted to spotlight the brothers’ work to explain why their work is simply not to be missed.
Abrakadabra (2018)
The film follows a magician called Lorenzo Manzini (Germán Baudino) as he realizes he’s been targeted by a sadistic serial killer. What makes Abrakadabra unique is the time and effort put into it. It feels authentic from the 1970s with dream-like cinematography and a pulsing score attached. It proudly wears its Dario Argento-inspired influences on its sleeves. There are so many factors put into place when it comes to its presentation, such as using a grainy filter and eye-catching shots. The Onetti brothers leave the viewers in a beautiful haze with their purposely disoriented and clever framing.
But perhaps the most important factors in making Abrakadabra feel as true to an Italian 1970s giallo are the set designs and costumes. There’s a clear love for the decade and subgenre flowing within the film. Setting Abrakadabra within this era doesn’t just feel like a gimmick; it adds a sense of authenticity by paying homage to their influences. Now Abrakadabra does rely heavily on its visual storytelling as a good portion of the film lacks dialogue. This is mainly when Lorenzo is attempting to uncover the identity of the mysterious killer. The viewer is sent into a fever dream of montages filled with creative camerawork transitions and hypnotic-esque frames used to keep the audience about what exactly is happening to Lorenzo.
Francesca (2015)
At times Abrakadabra does feel more like an experience rather than a traditional horror film thanks to a reliance on abstract shots. Luciano Onetti’s earlier film Francesca, which is also written by Nicolás, has the same care put into the production of the film. This is another neo-gilallo that focuses on two detectives, Ispettore Bruno Moretti (Luis Emilio Rodriguez) and Benito Succo (Gustavo Dalessanro), as they unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of a little girl 15 years prior.
While Francesca is also focused on creating a specific 1970s Italian giallo aesthetic, there is more meat to this story. There’s a clear narrative with less abstract montagues. But Luciano Onetti doesn’t forget to add the same amount of stunning visuals and riveting frames within the film.
1978: Luciano and Nicolás Onetti’s Newest Film
Up until now, it’s been close to six years since the Onetti brothers released a new horror feature. But as of 2024, their newest film 1978 has entered the festival circuit. The film takes place in Buenos Aires during the World Cup final between Argentina and Holland. The year is 1978 and Argentina is under a brutal military dictatorship. People are routinely kidnapped and tortured. Under this rule, an interrogation turns supernatural as the wrong group of people gets kidnapped.
The Onetti brothers have already shown us the attention and care they are willing to put into making a film. One of their main selling points is how they make a film as authentic and genuine as possible. Aesthetics aside, Abrakadabra and Francesca come with gruesome and creative kills filled with practical effects, of which 1978 seems to have plenty. The Onetti brothers manage to give these two realistic narratives a sense of other-worldness. This is perhaps one of my most anticipated factors about 1978 as the film will surround the supernatural. And given that 1978 is more of a politically driven narrative, it does make me hopeful the brothers will lean more into the storytelling outside of purely spectacle enjoyment.
As of the publication of this post, there isn’t an official release date for 1978. But as we wait for the announcements for this film, horror lovers can watch and enjoy Luciano and Nicolas Onetti’s previous films. This will give you a good idea of the work this duo puts into their projects and get you excited to see what Luciano and Nicolás Onnetti have in store for 1978.
Categorized:Editorials
