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| Images Courtesy of FILMIN |
2023 has been a year for apocalyptic horror. From M. Night Shyamalan's Knock at the Cabin Door to When Evil Lurks, the end of humanity has never looked and felt so good. David Hebrero's Spanish horror melodrama, Everyone Will Burn is the perfect final piece of the trifecta. Featuring some of the best cinematography of the year, a deliciously brutal opening sequence, and compelling performances, this is a wonderful late in the year surprise for horror fans across the world.
Maria Jose attempts to end her life, by jumping from a bridge, as the bereavement from losing her child is simply too much to bear. She is stopped by the appearance of an enigmatic child, and as the pair flee to a haunted town, the sins of the past come to roost, with blood and flames. Hebrero and Javier Kiran's script is an interesting beast. On the surface it is an end of days religious thriller, however under the fiery dermis are sublevels of small-town hypocrisy, trauma, and the power of motherhood.
Macarena Gomez stars as Maria, her performance is one of the most intriguing aspects of the film. Tragic, frothing, avenging, she runs the gamut of emotions and is the chaotic eye of the biblical storm. She is supported by Sofia Garcia who portrays the mysterious Lucia. Their chemistry jumps from terrifying to sweet, depending on the moment, a reflection of the chaos that loss and unchecked grief often unleashes in one's personal relationships. Gomez’s commitment to the role shines through in virtually every scene.
The true star of the film is Hebrero's stunning cinematography. The inciting scene is one of the most wild and imaginative sequences in recent memory, blending an almost ethereal Wes Anderson vibe with shocking violence and the result sets the tone for insane wild ride that follows. The lighting and ambiance of the doomed village Leon is perfect, allowing the film to flit between soapy overacting and horrific just desserts with almost preternatural alacrity. The end result is one of the most gorgeous films of the year.
Now playing in theaters and coming to digital on demand December 5th, Everyone Will Burn is a rather interesting take on recycled material. While the narrative holds no real surprises, the cinematography and performances make up for any deficits. Prophecy and grief are at the fore in Herbrero's small town inferno, and no one may get out alive. If you are looking for an absolutely beautiful approach to divine horror, this will not disappoint.
-Kyle Jonathan