As October draws to a close, many may find their horror movie marathons losing some steam. Fortunately, Netflix, often overlooked for horror content, offers a fresh addition.
Debuting this weekend is "Sister Death," a spine-chilling Spanish horror flick by Paco Plaza. The narrative revolves around a supernaturally-gifted nun who ventures into a former convent, now a girls' school. As she delves deeper, haunting mysteries surrounding the convent's past emerge.
For those who watched the 2017 Netflix horror sensation, "Veronica," they'd swiftly recognize "Sister Death" as its prequel. "Veronica" melded teen angst with paranormal elements, revolving around a teen who inadvertently unleashes a demonic entity. A conspicuous character in this tale was Sister Narcisa, eerily dubbed "Sister Death" by students due to her menacing aura. Fast forward to 2023, this prequel shifts the spotlight onto a younger Sister Narcisa, delving into her intriguing backstory set in 1940s Spain.
Central to "Sister Death" and, indeed, many religious horror tales, is the protagonist's faith dilemma. Sister Narcisa grapples with her vocation, teetering on the brink of committing to nunhood. Her spiritual conflict intensifies as she's plagued by terrifying visions threatening her and the students, casting shadows over her divine dedication.
The film boasts several commendable attributes. Aria Bedmar's casting as the titular character is notably apt. The film exudes a ghostly aura, vividly capturing the school's antiquated atmosphere. The ambiance is reminiscent of an age-old church, preserved yet stagnant. Impressively, the film's horror isn't confined to darkness; one particularly harrowing scene unfolds under the stark glare of the midday sun.
"Sister Death" pays homage to the 1970s wave of Spanish horror films. Though some may dismiss it as mere "Nunsploitation," it gracefully sidesteps the cliches of that niche.
However, the film isn't without its shortcomings. "Sister Death" misses the mark in character depth. Given its 90-minute span, there's potential for richer exploration left untapped. Some may perceive it as a pale imitation of an A24-esque horror venture, offering only surface-level insights into intricate religious and metaphysical themes. Its climax, regrettably, is particularly underwhelming.
In conclusion, "Sister Death" is a worthy watch, encompassing moments of true immersion. Yet, viewers should brace for occasional lapses into overused horror clichés, with the film missing opportunities to deeply probe its haunting milieu.
