Karry
Best movie of this year hands down!
Chirphymium
It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional
StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Nigel P
This very interesting Spanish exorcism story concerns Eloy de Palma (Lluís Marco) and his fifteen year-old grand-daughter Alba (Clàudia Pons), as they travel Barcelona where demonic possession is slowly spreading like a disease. Of course, we get our fair share of gut-wrenching screams and blank-eyed wailing - I'd be disappointed if we didn't, to be honest - but the story is a lot less predictable than many of the other 'Exorcist' variants that have done the rounds over the past few years. The possession seems to be attracted by the more vulnerable members of society - mental patients, drug addicts, the hospitalised etc.The thread that links the various exorcisms is the enigma of Alba herself. From the sweaty opening scenes, it is apparent there may well be something unusual about her, but this possibility is put to one side for much of the running time, although there are further hints to this effect.The very satisfying end which both solves that particular riddle, as well as the truth about her grandfather, is powerfully conveyed. This is Marc Carreté's debut as director (and co-writer), and hopefully his is a name we shall more from in the future. For the most part, he goes against the scare tactics, gore, sex and jump-scares of his associates in the field and the results are very refreshing, as well as dark and brooding. Producer and art designer Llorenç Mas must also get a mention, as must Jordi Dalmau who provides an excellent, sinister score.
gavin6942
Five days in the lives of exorcist Eloy de Palma (Lluis Marco) and his granddaughter Alba (Claudia Pons), working in the Barcelona area.We get a strong opening, with great use of camera technique and color, along with a gripping score from Jordi Dalmau. The New York Times refers to Dalmau's work as "an eerie, echoing sound design of plinking pianos and ghostly choirs." It is that and much more. Of course, this level of greatness is not maintained for the full duration, but it really showcases the potential of those involved.Adam Clarke has reviewed the film mostly positively, saying it is "full of interesting ideas" and singling out the cinematography of Xavi Garriga (in his feature film debut). What Clarke appreciates most is the "switching genres" between "exorcism, police procedural and apocalypse drama." He is absolutely right for singling out Garriga, who hopefully continues to make more films. If nothing else comes of this, Garriga should have a bright career.Some people may be turned off my the subtitles, but that is their loss. While this may not be the greatest film in the exorcism category of horror films, it is different enough that it should be praised for its originality. A new twist on an old theme, with some imagery that evokes comparisons to David Cronenberg's early work? Keep your eyes on this one.
HumanoidOfFlesh
Eloy and Alba are a grandfather/granddaughter team of exorcists who are performing exorcisms on people possessed by enigmatic The Evil One.The Resurrection of The Evil One will happen very soon so they must hurry.A mysterious hooded figure is following them.Eloy used to be a member of a religious hippie cult and now he tries to stop Evil Demon from rising.Or is he really?I must say that I kind of enjoyed "Asmodexia".The film is visually appealing and there are several spooky and abandoned location sets in which action takes place.I liked also post-apocalyptic finale which resembled me a little bit last sequence of Fulci's "The Beyond".Still the plot of "Asmodexia" is quite confusing and complex,so be prepared.There is very little gore and absolutely no nudity.6 apostles of Hell out of 10.
Liam Blackburn
Do you think it hurts them...when it leaves their souls? You can't even imagine Alba. His eyes...his voice...he whispers in my ear....they shan't destroy his work. I like cemeteries, I find them attractive..The most terrible secrets of humanity are not hidden away in books or libraries...but cemeteries. The whole movie follows Eloy and Alba as they exorcise people. It seems as though they are the good people. Except near the end you start to realize they might not be so good after all. They're definitely doing something.....maybe instead exorcising all the demons from the people, Alba is actually absorbing all the evil energy into herself. When they reach the lower temple doorway...it all starts to come together and make sense. Alba is actually the child of her dad's daughter...except her dad is also her grandfather, inbreeding.
