Fun fact: I don't know if you noticed, but in the part where the autistic boy's father goes to the car to sleep with him, he finds a drawing made by the autistic boy that is clearly a drawing of the final scene when the possessed children and the demon They're walking into the sunset... It gives the impression that this boy already had some connection with this, as his brother says in the middle of the film that he keeps drawing pictures in his room...

Vamos, Argentina! Greetings from this part of the globe, Chris! Thanks for supporting our filmmakers!

The biological or physical aspect of the posessions is the best part of this movie. Makes it stand out in a great way. No teleporting or telekenesis scares, and not a single jump scare. It's all about the shock factor. And you know what is possessed and what isn't. That makes it all the more terrifying because it actually makes you squirm in your seat. In my opinion, this was a masterpiece.

The biological aspect of the possession becomes more apparent if you understand spanish, more so if you're from this region of Argentina. One of the two words used to describe them is "encarnado", which can mean something close to "taking corporeal form" or more literally, "incarnate"; this also feels more visceral because "carne" is "meat". The other one is "embichado", a coloquialism usually meaning either "sick" or "infected", also frequently used to describe wounds with maggots in them (gruesome, I know).

That was the most polite shade thrown at Exorcist I've seen! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

This movie is absolutely insane, left me feeling dread and it sucks because a lot of people will be turned off by the fact that its in Spanish but trust me the subtitles are enough to deal with because it’s absolutely worth the ride!

Thanks for talking about an Argentinian film Chris! It helps a lot so that people from all over the world get to know it.

This movie is a good example that there is still good horror out there. Made by unknown creative people with a limited budget but with love for what they do.The makers of this movie would have been great for the new Exorcist sequel.

Absolutely diabolical film. Another remarkable piece of work that gives me hope for modern horror cinema.

Not only scary, it is disturbing. No hollywood crap, this is stellar 🤘🏾

I live for these kinds of films and will absolutely watch it. Loved Terrified, too. I just want more horrors like this: No comedy. Super dark, super serious, bleak, violent, visceral, no nonsense, nothing held back.

I watched this at TIFF premiere and I knew what I was getting into especially after watching Terrified . My buddies were all surprised by how graphic and dark his films can be . Almost like the director puts you into these worlds and says "if you were here, this is how you would feel after witnessing some crazy shit" Also randomly as we left the show in the middle of an Q&A (we were all tired) walking downtown Toronto and bumped into M. Night Shymalan :O

I think one of the reasons I love foreign horror is the different interpretations of similarly themed movies. If this were made in the US, it would be the same old song and dance about possession.

Best horror film of 2023 by far. As soon as I saw it was the director of Terrified I knew it would be incredible. The director doesn't pull any punches and it is absolutely bleak.

I was originally planning to watch The Exorcist a few nights ago, but after looking at reviews, it seemed pretty disappointing. Right below it's listing in the Regal app was this movie that I had never heard of, and I looked into it a tiny bit and only saw positive reviews. I ended up going for this movie that night instead and just wow. It was THE best horror experience of my life. I was also alone in the theater (so damn scary) and this movie just held nothing back. After the movie ended I just sat there in silence for a couple minutes, unable to move. I would REALLY recommend watching this horror masterpiece. This was also my first Argentinian movie, and I now have major respect.

I'm intrigued by the idea of exploring possession in a biological way. Seems like "When Evil Lurks" really pushes the envelope in the horror genre.

This movie’s world felt like a mix of Evil Dead meets Walking Dead in regards to how this evil works and how the world reacts to it. The subtlety in its story telling really makes you ask questions of how this world works. Where do Cleaners come from? How did this all start? Everyone seems to be aware of the Rotten but choose to ignore it, why? Very interesting demon possession film and loved every second.

You are right Chris when you say os more like a biological possession. The characters on the movie referes to it as "embichado" which means something is inside the person. Great review

I saw this alone in a theater last night and it was a terrifying feeling at times. Amazing movie. I saw it because of this review

Easily one of the best horror of 2023. I felt like the movie was really grounded and believable. Usually watching a movie like this I just find it silly and obviously fictional that removes me from fully enjoying it. This is one of those movies where I felt like a silent protagonist in.

I’ll be honest, I’ve been putting off seeing this since October, because of all the reviews. Not much gets me, but people warned, even those with strong dispositions may have a tough time with this one. So I strapped in last night and caught the film. I can say with certainty it’s one of the first films in a long time that made me feel generally uneasy and anxious for the full runtime. I agree with your points on no one having plot armor, which is ridiculously refreshing. The practical effects were awesome, for those that wanted a linear explanation of how the events came to be probably a little disappointed but for those like me, who like piecing together from minor clues, I thought it was expertly done. Ultimately I think it’s one of the best horror films I’ve seen in years and agree with you wholeheartedly Chris.

The scene where Sabrina is holding Santino and Jimi finds them k*lled me. It was really brutal and sad

I had the opportunity to see it at a horror film festival: the audience was shocked and surprised to have seen an excellent film that takes you by surprise.

Seen this movie twice now….it is everything you’ve heard and more. It’s incredibly brutal. The cinematography is excellent. The story is interesting. The best horror film of the year by far!

Randomly saw this was playing at my local theater, looked up the RT score and went to see it the next night in a double feature with the new exorcist. Man...this movie was great and a waaayyy better possession movie than the new exorcist. Definitely see this if you can

This movie deserves all the praise. Best horror movie I've seen in years. Raw, original, brave. Watch it in original language. Looooved it. His Terrified is great too. Very talented director.

I LOVE the fact that you encourage people going to the theathres to see it. Its important that good movies get coverage. The streaming era kindof fucked this.

I just got out of it, and I loved it. Really good, very different and amazing cinematography. It was a very good hybrid of numerous horror subgenres. I loved the practical effects which are always a treat when they're done well in horror.

Thank you for the recommendation. Gotta say, just saw the movie and it's in every way BREATHTAKING. Beautifully crafted, brutal and unrelenting. Feels fresh in its lore, the performances and the atmosphere are pure and realistic. The sense of dread followed by the most raw shock and disgust. What a sound design and score! I also found several intentionally unexplored subplots that contribute to the intrigue and a possible meaning behind the movie that also makes it a film of its time, and a visceral one at that.

I also was the only person in the theater when I saw it. This is truly a film to be experienced in the theater. I loved it.

I was talking with friends over the weekend about horror movies, and I realized how much I've seen of the genre because of your videos, like this one. Thanks for all that you do! Can't wait to check this one out.

I have a mental image of Chris eating a sandwich while watching "Human Centipede"

Hollywood loves to think they have the market on horror which is so ridiculous ! If you love true shock and horror you will love this. Love foreign horror, esp Spanish and South American directors. Very creative and unpredictable. Ty Chris

I was hoping you would do this movie. I can't wait to watch this one. Aterrados(Terrified) was such a surprising, exciting, scary find when I went hunting for hidden horror gems during the pandemic.

I’m shocked Chris hasn’t reviewed Talk To Me.

I saw this on 10/18/23 and was the only one in the theater. I was happy with no cellphones or talking from other patrons so I was fully invested in the film. It was a thrill ride and it felt like JAWS where the shark's mantra is: No one is safe. Great story but so graphic on many levels from body horror to explicit violence.

MINOR SPOILERS The dog scene made me gasp so loud. Something I’ve never done in a movie theater

the way you describe the protagonist really makes me appreciate that type of character, the kind where you don't necessarily agree with what they do, but you understand that it's something the protagonist will do in that situation

Vamos Argentina 🇦🇷 Muy feliz por esta gran película de terror!

blessed be the Halloween Special

Three people were present in the auditorium when I saw this excellent film. THREE - including me! It's FAR superior to the other movie released simultaneously. The more I think about it, the better it gets. I'd go out on a limb and give it an "A-." But I suspect that's a controversial rating!

So I went to see this movie based on your review, that didn't work out for me so well w/Skinamarink (lol) but I absolutely loved When Evil Lurks . I wish I could convince more my friends to see subtitled foreign language movies, because I also was in the theater alone. Much better than anything else I've seen lately.

It’s so hard to believe I’ve been following you for so long. I’ve always loved your channel. Especially the specials and hilariously ( which I have missed ). Keep up the great work Chris. Super proud of your growth and your beautiful family.

I love how Chris is avoiding the elephant in the room that is Exorcist Believer

Great review as always Chris! Just watched it in a empty theater as well, had the same feelings as you. It’s a shame not many people will get to enjoy this movie with a limited release and the movie being in subtitles, but that being said, loved this movie!

The scene in Terrified - the wife/girlfriend in the bathroom - is still one of the most difficult scenes for me to watch.

I'm so glad you haven't changed your intro music for the Halloween Specials. It's awesome, props to whomever wrote it!!

A great horror movie! It has a great story and the best thing is that it doesn't rely on jump scare to carry the movie like most Hollywood horrors nowadays

YAY! Best horror film of the year. I’m so glad you reviewed this!

Just watched this tonight at Edmonton's Fearfest. So good to feel nervous in a theatre once again. Thanks for the spoiler free recommend!

High praise. Love how he tried to reframe from spoiling anything.

This movie was fucking nuts. I'd love a deeper dive into the lore, but I love that they drop definitions on us that we can only try to deduce their meaning through the actions of those on film.

I love that we see the physical aspect of a possessed one only once at the begining of the film when it's in its final state, all bloated and putrid like a corpse, like if it's finally externalizing the evil within that has been festering for a long time, whereas at the start of possessing another host we see them like normal people, nothing special at all, until it's too late and they snap violently. That's the true beauty of this film, that at its core is like a metaphor that we don't know the evilness inside another person's soul until they show it through actions we never knew they were capable of.

This film is easily my favorite horror movie of 2023.

Leaving in that small bit of an outtake near the end is a mall detail I very much appreciate.

I've been following your content for many years Chris, it make me happy that you like it that much a movie from my country! The realease date here is in two weeks, I'll try to see it! Greetings from Buenos Aires!

It's funny you mentioned not eating while watching because I was finishing up a meal when I started the movie and as soon as it showed that "infected" person in bed, I immediately stopped eating, paused the movie, and decided to finish eating before watching anymore. There is some gnarly, and absolutely disgusting images in this film. Holy shit. It is without a doubt one of the best horror movies of the year.

It's awful how big companies keep us away from good independent productions. But not this time.

chris, i watched your review and took your advice seeing it in theater today and I am glad I did. The film was amazing. I appreciate your review and you were spot on with your opinions and commentary.

How nice hearing you name my country in one of your reviews ❤🇦🇷

I must see this! Terrified has pride of place in my DVD collection, and if this director has made anything as near as good, I know that I'm going to love it

This movie is a great addition to top best horror films....I hope many people watches it. It is genuine and crazy. Also very nice cinematography. I usually don't like typical horror but this was great and unpredictable and very well paced. Not a second of boringness. Last I watched was hereditary..which was crazy too... This again is Great addition to horror genre.

Thank you Chris for releasing this on my birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MORE HORROR MOVIES. Need to be like this, and “Talk to Me”. Seriously. Fantastic Film.

Just saw it . Definetly haven't been as shocked as I was with this movie for a long time

In the original language, they refer to he posessed as "enbichados" wich is a term used in the countryside in Argentina that alludes to an animal wound infefcted and with maggots, flies and insects.

Comentario en español: increíble, que desde usa, reconozcan esta gran película de terror, muy original y muy argentina!

I’ve been following you since I dont know 8 9 years?! And I think you never react to an argentinian movie before, I love this 😊 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷

That was a very classy Trojan horse negative review for The Exorcist: Believer 😅

People, for those who dislike the decisions of the main character is because they did not understand the background of the same, is a subject that throughout his life made bad decisions. He is not a hero, anti-hero or the smartest person in his town, and he has to deal with something he doesn't know, you can't expect him to pull a Deus Ex Machina to solve everything. Watch it again, the movie is coherent from beginning to end.

I'm going to tonight's showing in Boston! Thank you for the recommendation otherwise I would have missed the theatrical release. Super pumped.

Such a nice surprise that you are reviewing a horror movie from my country! I really liked the imagery of Terrified so i want to watch this one too.

I talked about this film on my channel and am so happy you reviewed it. Cannot wait to watch this film.

Just saw this last night. And man this movie was creeping shocking and very good. It’s a shame there was only two people in the theater because I would’ve loved to hear/see what there reactions were during this movie. A few shocking things surprised me and one scene diffidently is going to stick with me 8nvolving an animal for a long while.

You had me at “director of Terrified.” Had no idea this was coming, but now I’m intimidated/keen.

The dog and girl scence was crazy! I loved it

I like how the world of the movie establishes that the rotter and how to handle them is not a mystery but is actually fairly common knowledge.

Love this review… tell me you hated the exorcist believer without telling me 🤭 will definitely be seeing when evil lurks

Thanks Chris. I tend to have an issue watching subtitled Horror and Action films So i was on the fence with this one, but once you said it was from the same people that made Terrified you've peaked my interest. (great opportunity to raise awareness on that one if you havent already). Admittedly I'll be watching the gorey parts thru my fingers but their depiction of evil is fresh and foreboding. I'm in. Thanks again.

That was an amazing surprise! I saw some reviews at Letterboxd and was scared to watch. But this is pure terror... not cheap use of jumpscare; but terror in its essence.

Solid damn horror movie! It wasn’t exactly scary but there was a couple moments that were so disturbing that it made me feel like I just got infected by the evil. And I think that was the director’s intent

Wow one of best horror movies I’ve seen , ever I’m in love with it … originality !

So happy you enjoyed this movie! Thanks for talking about it 🥰

Has been the next film to watch on my list for October... Thanks for the review...

Just saw it. I'm from Argentina and I couldn't be happier to see that my country is producing horror movies with this quality. Now I gotta watch Rugna's previous film "Terrified". Glad you liked it too, Chris!

My local theater only has two showings of this movie and they’re both at night.

Thanx for taking the time in giving a look at the movies filmed in Latin America... we really appreciate that.

Foreign films should not be dismissed. In recent years I've been finding Spanish, Argentinian and Korean films contain some gems.

When Evil Lurks might be my favorite horror movie I’ve seen in the theater so far this year.

I was lucky enough to catch this at my local theater tonight, and it was so worth it. I thought I would have the theater to myself, but instead, it was me and two other dudes who came alone.

This review made me go see it yesterday.. what an awesome surprise.

Omg just noticed that shot at 4:54 with the goat horns peaking above the landowners head like devil horns. He was kinda the actual locus for evil here - very clever shot.

Latin American films never disappoint in the horror genre💪🏽

This Argentinian film has balls, and I loved it! Damn it was really good :D

We just played this film at the Mariemont Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio and I really dug it! Such a gnarly and vicious film. I know you're a fellow Ohioan, if you ever find yourself in Cincy stop by the Mariemont and Esquire Theatre, the best independent theaters here in the city! Maybe we could even play Shelby Oaks at our locations if interested! 👀

This movie along with Into The Abbys also from 2023 are a great Argentinian double feature.

Best horror movie of this year. Harrowing, gory and cruel. Even more shocking/scarier if You have kids. Brrrr

Argentina has, in my opinion, the best film industry in Latin America, if you don't mind the subs, you'll find some amazing movies. Two I strongly recommend are "El Secreto de Sus Ojos" and "Nueve Reinas" lml

ARGENTINA EL MEJOR PAIS DEL MUNDOOOO!! jajaj Thanks for reviewing this! A viewer from Argentina here. I agree with your analysis. This movie left me afraid of the dark (and my loved ones ) for quite some time. About the possession, in spanish they call it "encarnado" instead of "poseido" (witch actually translates as possessed). Encarnado is a word I believe was invented for the film, so even we didn't really know what was actually happening. I think they chose to do it this way to give the feeling countryside legends give, to sort of know about them but never really having seen them, and the certainty when you have something like that in front of your eyes. You could translate "encarnado" like "in the flesh". Thanks for supporting a movie from my country!

I saw both "possession" movies. Surprisingly, ddn't know either existed until recently Didn't know another Exorcist was made till this past weekend and didn't know this even existed until I saw your video (which I only saw a few seconds of). Holy fuck this was good. I even went alone and very few people were there so it felt extra special. Believer was decent at times but didn't really have anything else to offer. This though, it was vsceral! Thank you for reviewing it :)