While browsing on Shudder, I came across Shrew’s Nest (2014); a Spanish horror and thriller set sometime in the 1950s. It revolves around Montse (Macarena Gómez), a highly religious and agoraphobic woman who spent her youth raising her younger sister, who is simply referred to as “the girl” (Nadia de Santiago), as their mother died during her birth and their father eventually ran away. They live together in an apartment which Montse never leaves. One day, something unusual happens: their neighbour Carlos (Hugo Silva) who lives in an apartment above them falls down the stairs. He manages to knock on their door before passing out and Montse brings him inside. But upon entering the shrew’s nest, will he ever be able to leave?
I’m sure everyone has already said this film is very Misery meets Psycho, and I would agree. The first half of the film builds up its story slowly, but every minute of it is utterly interesting and suspenseful. All scenes happen inside the apartment or just outside of it in the hall, which gives a good insight into the life of an agoraphobic. It’s full of twists and turns which are revealed in the last half hour right up until the film ends. Shrew’s Nest follows a textbook storytelling structure, meaning all they key plot points and the climax happen just at the right time.
Gómez and de Santiago are insanely talented, both giving outstanding performances. From the start, Montse begins as a fragile and religious dressmaker. She has an illness that would make anyone else vulnerable, but being trapped in her own house means she protects it at all costs. Gómezdoes an exceptional job transforming this delicate woman into the raged, lunatic we see covered in blood at the end when her true nature is revealed. The unmasking of her backstory is also worth the wait.
The effects are excellent. The very unique discovery of a body and the simple but effective look of Carlos’ broken leg which gets progressively worse are remarkable. There’s a particular cringe-worthy scene where you see what Montse does to his leg when he tries to escape that left me wincing at the screen.
The direction, storytelling and cinematography work together really well to create this cruel yet touching film. You’ll be wondering why Montse’s client brings her little vials of clear liquid and why she sees visions of their presumed dead father. Most of all, the best part of this film comes from the exceptional acting from every cast member.
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