Ex Inferis

Ex Inferis is a masterfully crafted Italian horror movie that has left a memorable mark on the genre since its release in 2011. Directed by Leonardo Araneo, the movie boasts a talented cast featuring Giovanni Araneo, Aran Bert, Giovanni Guidelli, and others. It is a film that exudes a mix of palpable tensions, paranormally themed suspense, and an overarching, haunting atmosphere—a non-stop roller coaster ride of chills and horrors.

The movie starts with a group of six friends spending their summer vacation in a secluded cottage located in the heart of a mysterious forest. Despite their blissful exterior, an undercurrent of tension is present right from the beginning of the film, hinting that the vacation might not be as idyllic as it seems. Giovanni Araneo's character, Federico, is a common day worker whose mundane life starkly contrasts the eerie events that unfold. Aran Bert plays a bold and daring individual, Andrea, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.

As the group spends their time in the scenic yet ominous surroundings, they find an ancient Ouija board in their cottage's attic. The group indulging their curiosity, decide to use it, unknowingly inviting an unseen, malevolent force into their lives. This marks the turning point of the movie, where the friends' carefree vacation turns into a nightmare, characterized by inexplicable incidents and chilling happenings.

Staying true to its genre, Ex Inferis delivers on the promise of terror with subtlety and finesse. It immerses viewers into the horror elements slowly, building an arc that gradually takes everyone deeper into the abyss. The movie superbly uses the anticipation of the unseen and unknown to play on the audience’s fears and anxiety, complemented by creepy atmospheric soundscapes. Periodic bursts of fear, panic, and confusion among the group members are skillfully woven into the plot, escalating the suspense and terror.

Just as it allows the tension to build up, the film expertly utilizes the theme of friendship and camaraderie among the group. It showcases how their bonds are tested and strained under the weight of their inexplicable experiences, providing an emotional subtext that humanizes the characters and adds depth to the movie.

Beneath the straightforward storyline of a camping trip gone wrong, Ex Inferis also dwells into deeper, more psychological aspects. The plot subtly suggests that the horrors the group experience might be manifestations of their inner fears and anxieties rather than supernatural interventions. This psychological layer is accentuated further by Giovanni Guidelli's realistic and intriguing portrayal of Dario, a character with a troubled past.

The cinematography in Ex Inferis deserves a special mention. The director effectively uses the isolated forest and the cottage to create a sense of claustrophobia. The breath-taking yet eerily quiet nature shots capture the tranquil terror of the woods in all its glory, which further capitalizes on the horror factor, establishing it as a character in its own right.

Ex Inferis brings in a unique blend of horror, suspense, drama, and psychology that leaves the audience with an unsettling feeling. It keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with a potent blend of strong performances, well-structured plot, compelling dialogue, and masterful direction. The director Leonardo Araneo has truly brought to life an unforgettable horror tale that pierces through the veil of the ordinary, delving deep into the realm of the extraordinary.

Fans of the horror genre, especially those who appreciate a good dose of psychological suspense, will find Ex Inferis a fitting watch. Though it might not reinvent the genre, it captivates the audience by adding a fresh twist to the familiar horror tropes. Fast-paced, intense, and chilling, Ex Inferis is a prime example of a movie that competently scares its viewer, while also offering thought-provoking insights. Relentlessly gripping from the beginning to the end, it's a horror gem from Italian cinema that should not be missed.