Asmodexia (2014)

This very interesting Spanish exorcism story concerns Eloy de Palma (Lluís Marco) and his fifteen year-old grand-daughter Alba (Clàudia Pons), as they travel Barcelona where demonic possession is slowly spreading like a disease. Of course, we get our fair share of gut-wrenching screams and blank-eyed wailing - I'd be disappointed if we didn't, to be honest - but the story is a lot less predictable than many of the other 'Exorcist' variants that have done the rounds over the past few years. The possession seems to be attracted by the more vulnerable members of society - mental patients, drug addicts, the hospitalised etc.The thread that links the various exorcisms is the enigma of Alba herself. From the sweaty opening scenes, it is apparent there may well be something unusual about her, but this possibility is put to one side for much of the running time, although there are further hints to this effect.The very satisfying end which both solves that particular riddle, as well as the truth about her grandfather, is powerfully conveyed. This is Marc Carreté's debut as director (and co-writer), and hopefully his is a name we shall more from in the future. For the most part, he goes against the scare tactics, gore, sex and jump-scares of his associates in the field and the results are very refreshing, as well as dark and brooding. Producer and art designer Llorenç Mas must also get a mention, as must Jordi Dalmau who provides an excellent, sinister score.

The synopsis is actually very scant in that it basically said this was four days in the lives of two exorcists working in the Barcelona area; so a bit of Gaudi, God and Satan sort of thing - but no. It follows the story of Eloy and his granddaughter, Alba, and they at first appear impoverished but are on a foretold mission to save 'souls'. Now to say any more could reveal too much so that the slow feed of twists and revelations (no pun intended) are spoiled. I kept thinking I had it all worked out and each time I was left surprised.It is all acted exceptionally well and is obviously an indie effort but it does not really show. The locations are great too adding to the atmosphere of the piece. This is not a slasher though so please avoid if that is your thing. It also covers areas you would not have expected. I have to say I was really impressed with this – mostly in Spanish with good to OK sub titles this is one for folk who like things to be a bit different.

I liked this movie, a lot. I thought it was beautifully shot, that scene at the end was great. I appreciated the lack of nudity and cheap entertainment, so many films now rely on sex, exaggerated gore and flinch scares. This movie does not. I liked the original plot, a sort of exorcism in reverse. The soundtrack was amazing, real talent there. I liked this director too. I guess this is his first film? Couldn't tell. Thdv I'm looking forward to more, this guy has talent and vision. The reason why I have it a 6 and not higher? Pacing... For a large part of the movie you have no idea what is going on,, and I think it took away from the movie. I think in this case it would have added to the suspense. The other reason is the video tapes from before that are labeled just that. Tapes from before 1997. Those were the worst part of the movie and we could have done without them.. If the script has opened up some, it would have been a 10. Not scary but entertaining.

Do you think it hurts them...when it leaves their souls? You can't even imagine Alba. His eyes...his voice...he whispers in my ear....they shan't destroy his work. I like cemeteries, I find them attractive..The most terrible secrets of humanity are not hidden away in books or libraries...but cemeteries. The whole movie follows Eloy and Alba as they exorcise people. It seems as though they are the good people. Except near the end you start to realize they might not be so good after all. They're definitely doing something.....maybe instead exorcising all the demons from the people, Alba is actually absorbing all the evil energy into herself. When they reach the lower temple doorway...it all starts to come together and make sense. Alba is actually the child of her dad's daughter...except her dad is also her grandfather, inbreeding.