The Wait

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1:45

The Wait

Released Sep 20

1h 39m

Drama

Fantasy

Horror

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Popcornmeter

86%

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21 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Deep in the Andalusian countryside, Eladio (Victor Clavijo) works as the groundskeeper of a hunting estate owned by the powerful Don Francisco. After taking a bribe from a veteran hunter, Eladio's normal life falls apart, plunging him into the depths of guilt, hatred and revenge.

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Jordan Mintzer

The Hollywood Reporter

Sometimes it feels like the director is improvising as he goes along, throwing in twists for the sake of it, with a whole subplot involving backcountry voodoo that’s never remotely credible or scary.

Sep 15, 2023

Full Review

Sebastian Zavala Kahn

Ventana Indiscreta

On the one hand, I admire Gutierrez's efforts and like that he has focused on a context and characters rarely seen in commercial Western cinema. But on the other hand, I can't help but feel that this film could have been more. Full review in Spanish.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 4, 2024

Full Review

Bee Delores

Horrorverse

Gutiérrez roots the story deep into human frailty, as Eladio's existence cracks until only bare bones are left. It's a bit depressing, but it's real, honest, and unapologetic.

Oct 10, 2024

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

What’s impressive is how seamlessly its pieces fit together. And all because of Gutierrez’s meticulous craftsmanship and laser focus.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 7, 2024

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

This movie takes itself too seriously to be much fun, yet lacks the gravitas to be taken seriously as it would like.

Oct 4, 2024

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Liz Braun

Original Cin

A modern morality fable that unfolds like a revenge Western, then transforms into supernatural horror. Gutierrez has come up with a grim, hallucinatory, sometimes confusing Monkey’s Paw tale based on the pre-democracy class divide of '70s Spain.

Rated: B

Oct 3, 2024

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Hadi K

The Wait (2023): A Slow-Burning Thriller with Missed Opportunities Directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez, The Wait (La Espera) stars Víctor Clavijo as Eladio, a groundskeeper entangled in a moral and supernatural dilemma. Set in the Andalusian countryside, the film explores themes of power, guilt, and nature's retribution. Eladio is tempted by a bribe to expand hunting stands on the estate he manages, leading to catastrophic consequences for his family. Víctor Clavijo delivers a compelling performance as Eladio, capturing his internal struggle with guilt and desperation. His portrayal is nuanced, making the character relatable despite his flaws. Gutiérrez's direction is atmospheric, using the rural setting to enhance the film's tension. However, the pacing is slow, which may test viewers' patience. The screenplay weaves a complex narrative that transitions from a crime thriller to folk horror. While this genre-blending approach is ambitious, it sometimes muddles the story's thematic focus. Cinematographer Miguel Ángel Mora captures the desolate beauty of the landscape, reinforcing the film's oppressive mood. Zeltia Montes' score complements the film's brooding atmosphere but occasionally overpowers subtle moments. The editing maintains a deliberate pace, which suits the film's slow-burn style but contributes to its drawn-out feel. The Wait delves into themes of greed, guilt, and class disparity. These are explored through Eladio's moral descent and the supernatural elements that emerge. However, the film struggles to balance these themes with its horror aspects, diluting its impact. Compared to Gutiérrez's previous work, this film lacks cohesion in its thematic execution. While The Wait offers strong performances and visual storytelling, its slow pace and thematic inconsistencies hinder its potential. Fans of atmospheric thrillers may appreciate its craftsmanship, but others might find it lacking in clarity and engagement. Overall, it earns a 2-star rating for its ambition but falls short in delivering a satisfying narrative experience.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/26/24

Full Review

Mask M

Sometimes it feels as if the movie wants to resemble a Goya painting, the violence and the darkness are all there, it's definitely a slow burner so patience is needed and you must "wait" until it kicks. If you are interested in folk horror besides the norse or druidic pagan stories, this may interest you.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/15/24

Full Review

A K

awful movie, skip it forward. Do not waste ur time, watching this pos

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/11/24

Full Review

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F. Javier Gutiérrez

Director

Víctor Clavijo

Actor

Ruth Díaz

Actor

Luis Callejo

Actor

Moisés Ruiz

Floren

Manuel Morón

Don Francisco

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The Wait: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Deep in the Andalusian countryside, Eladio (Victor Clavijo) works as the groundskeeper of a hunting estate owned by the powerful Don Francisco. After taking a bribe from a veteran hunter, Eladio's normal life falls apart, plunging him into the depths of guilt, hatred and revenge.

Director: F. Javier Gutiérrez
Producer: Adrián Guerra, F. Javier Gutiérrez, Antonio P. Pérez
Screenwriter: F. Javier Gutiérrez
Distributor: Film Movement
Production Co: Nostromo Pictures, Spal Films
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Original Language: Spanish
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 20, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 4, 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m

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