The Wasteland is a spine-tingling horror movie that revolves around a family living in isolation, fending for themselves against a terrifying monster that relentlessly haunts them. The family consists of a father, a mother, and their son Diego, living in a remote area, far away from civilization, where they have created their haven of peace. But their peaceful existence is short-lived when the monster appears, wreaking havoc at their doorstep. What follows is a series of spine-chilling events that keep the viewers glued to their seats.
The movie is set in Tahun Rilis 2021, in Spain, at the end of the 19th century, during a prolonged period of wars when many people chose to retreat into isolated areas for safety. The family, too, has been living on their own, surviving by living off the land, hunting, and fishing. The father is a disciplinarian, constantly teaching Diego how to survive in the wilderness. But the mother is more protective of Diego, treating him with softness and love.
One day, they come across a dying man floating down the river, whom they bring home to tend to. However, the man commits suicide, and they realize that he, too, was a victim of the monster that they had heard of in the local legends. It is said that the monster feeds on fear, making people go mad and eventually come to embrace their deaths.
As the story progresses, the father goes to find the deceased man’s family, and while he is away, the mother starts behaving erratically. She becomes increasingly paranoid, convinced that the monster is near and that they need to prepare for an attack. Her sharp change in demeanor also affects her relationship with Diego. No longer the loving mother he remembers, she starts making him learn to shoot and hunt, all to prepare for survival against the monster.
Days turn to weeks, and the father still hasn’t come back. The mother’s paranoia grows, and she becomes more and more unhinged. The son, on the other hand, remains confused and scared, not understanding what’s going on. One day, the father’s horse returns, and they realize that the father might have been killed by the monster. Panic-stricken, the mother tries to hang herself but is rescued by Diego, but things only get worse from there.
Review
The Wasteland is a well-made horror movie that keeps the viewers on edge throughout. The storyline is captivating, and the characters are well-developed, allowing us to empathize with them. Inma Cuesta and Asier Flores have done an excellent job portraying the mother-son relationship that changes drastically during the course of the movie. The father’s character, although absent for most of the movie, is a memorable one. His teachings to Diego on how to survive in the wild are informative and showcase his parenting skills.
The setting of the movie is stunning, with the isolated region adding to the sense of danger and isolation. The cinematography is excellent, showcasing the beauty of the desolate countryside while still conveying the sense of urgency and fear that pervades the movie.
The only downside to the movie is that the monster’s presence is not felt enough. The buildup to its appearance is well done, but when it does show up, it is not as horrifying as one would expect. This lack of detail about the monster’s appearance might disappoint fans of traditional monster movies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Wasteland is a well-made horror movie that delivers on its promise of terror and suspense. It is a tale of isolation, fear, and survival, with a healthy dose of family drama thrown in. While it might not be the most original horror movie ever made, it is still one that fans of the genre will enjoy. So, if you’re in the mood for a horror movie that will leave you feeling scared and satisfied, The Wasteland is definitely worth a watch.
