There are films that are presented to entertain the masses with no hidden agenda, just as there are other pictures shown in an unusual way that can cause discomfort due to their raw subjects that even one might think it has been made for controversy. The Sacred Spirit (Original title: Espíritu Sagrado) is a Spanish drama/sci-fi film that, although it seems to be taking advantage from real-life events at the expense of the victims, informs the audience and criticizes through its artistic gaze.

In short, one of Charo’s daughters (Joanna Valverde) has gone missing. Charo’s mother is a clairvoyant but her visions have been scattered since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Charo’s brother, José Manuel (Nacho Fernández), is a member of an association of ufology enthusiasts whose leader has passed away. José Manuel has a greater conflict due to the unexpected death of the leader than due to the disappearance of his niece, since he had been chosen by the leader of the association to carry out a special task that would bring great cosmic benefits. José Manuel must finish the project that has been entrusted to him, Charo will continue searching for her daughter, and their mother will warn them of a tragic future for the family while being ignored by both of them.

Viewers who aren’t in tune with slow-paced films must be warned that The Sacred Spirit moves at the same pace of a snail during a hot summer day. The plot is very complicated but rich in the way it handles all its elements from start to finish without ignoring every detail making it work like a puzzle, but it can become exasperating for those who prefer something faster. The formula they have used to tell the story is through small revelations in every single scene– it can be physically seen or it can be heard in the dialogue. Its gritty tone is set from the very first scene– it serves as a warning of what to expect along the journey and it’s up to the viewer whether they decide to continue on the road or get off before taking off.

The Sacred Spirit, being a kind of chaotic satire, presents a variety of characters with different stereotypes that are easy to identify by the way they are characterized, their movements, and much of their lines, but they all fall into two categories: believers of mysticism and fanatics of religion and cults. Even when this diverse group of identities exists, the characters are interpreted in a dry, unilateral manner and with a monotonous voice, and strangely the supporting characters prove to have more weight than the main ones when enlivening the story.

The Sacred Spirit dares to play with controversial issues to expose a bloodcurdling reality through raw fiction for those who walk through life with their eyes closed– the plot is an unveiling of truth difficult to digest when the facts unfold and reveal that believing isn’t the same as having faith and it can be counterproductive by bringing irreversible damage.

8 OUT OF 10 MUGS