Luzma and Demián, a young couple, have just moved to an old neighborhood trying to leave behind an incident that torments them. Hopeful, they do their best to take this change as an opportunity to start over. Nevertheless, Luzma begins to discover that their neighbors hide terrible secrets that lead to paranormal phenomena; however, Demián is starting to believe that Luzma is losing her mind.

You don’t see apartment horror very much. Rosemary’s Baby (and the rest of the Polanski “Apartment Trilogy”) comes to mind, and Japanese horror definitely does its share. But you know the story: Young couple moves into a new home. Creepy neighbors. There is a lost pregnancy. Spooky stuff happens that only the wife can see. A friend tries to help. They talk to a priest. They talk to a shamanic figure. She doesn’t know who to trust. Maybe she is crazy? Maybe her husband is gaslighting her?

Sound familiar?

There is something to be said for formula. Once upon a time there was a princess in a castle and all that. The story is familiar, but it can still enthrall if the details are new, and if the telling is strong enough to make you feel for the characters. The tenants of the story.

Unlike some others I could mention, this iteration of the formula has some saving graces. This story out of Mexico is well-acted and directed and the cinematography and excellent sound design keep the sense of foreboding tension high.

Once upon a time, this story begins, there was a haunted man chained to a shackle in the ceiling of his apartment, while the stove leaked choking gas into the air until he died. Once upon a time, there was a haunted couple that rented an apartment, fleeing the choices of their past. And as we learn, this story happened more than once upon a time. A lot more than once. For over 35 years.

“This has happened before.”

The scares are honest, the horror is earned, and yes, we care about these people so what happens actually has some impact.

And they all lived … well. You’ll see. That part is new.

INQUILINOS | THE TENANTS is screening as part of the Hola Mexico Film Festival
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