Often times you can find a hidden gem on Netflix, especially in the horror genre, so I often times find myself going on the hunt for an obscure title that may surprise, and actually resonate with me. I stumbled across one film that could have been one of those hidden gems, and here is my review.
‘Errementari: .The Devil and the Blacksmith’ came out in 2017 and Netflix picked it up for release on it’s massive streaming platform in 2018 and tells the story of, “A brutal blacksmith tortures a demon he blames for his misery, unaware a trespassing orphan is about to change everything. Based on Basque folklore.”
The blending of fantasy story-telling and horror is interwoven with beautiful cinematography throughout the film, and although it is a foreign language film, Netflix does a good job with the dubbing, sans a certain scene that involves a slapping sound that sounds like a massive cracking whip more than a subtle quick slap across the face.
Aside from that, the story is told very well, albeit some corny scenes, and the pace of the movie is perfectly set. However, illogical nuances are more embarrassing than beneficial for a film that brings the viewers directly to hell. Apparently, demons can’t resists the power of the almighty chic pea. Yes, chic peas are the downfall, even the depths of hell, and it’s little elements such as that they add a ridiculous tone to a movie that really would have been better without it.
Still, it’s hard to find fantasy/horror films that are shot so well, and with costumes and makeup that look the part.
Despite the obvious flaws, Netflix did a good job taking a foreign language film and delivering it for the English speaking audience. The story flows well, the special effects work, and the overall delivery of the film, and characters work. While the aforementioned flaws cause for more laughs than the movie delivers scares, it’s still a solid flick.
Sure, it’s no Pans Labyrinth, but it’s watchable and worth the 1 hour and 39 minute investment of time, although it won’t blow you away.
