★ 6 / 10
La espera / The Wait (2023) A Story
Claudio C
La espera / The Wait (2023) A Story of Greed, One of the Seven Deadly Sins (11,810 –06 Jul 2025 – by Claudio Carvalho) In 1970, In Andalusia, the powerful Don…
La espera / The Wait (2023)
A Story of Greed, One of the Seven Deadly Sins
(11,810 –06 Jul 2025 – by Claudio Carvalho)
In 1970, In Andalusia, the powerful Don Francisco (Pedro Casablanc) hires Eladio (Víctor Clavijo) to take care of his real estate. He warns Eladio that in the hunting season, he would allow ten hunting posts and control them. Further, he would not be available for a long time. Eladio moves with his wife Marcia (Ruth Díaz) and his ten-year-old son Floren (Moisés Ruiz). Three years later, Don Carlos (Manuel Morón), who control the hunters, asks him to make thirteen post available, and Eladio says that it would be too dangerous due to the proximity, and Don Francisco allowed only ten. But Don Carlos convinces Marcia to force Eladio to accept the increase in posts by offering a bribe of 300 Euros to the family. During the hunting, Floren is accidentally hit by a shot and dies; afterward, Marcia commits suicide hanging herself. Soon, the life of Eladio changes with macabre discoveries and events.
“La espera”, a.k.a. “The Wait” (2023), is a macabre Spanish horror movie by F. Javier Gutiérrez. Eladio’s downfall to hell is impressive, involving witchcraft and meeting the devil. His unexpected survival to the tragedies of his life is not an excuse to the devil that keeps his soul in the end. There is a great flaw in the plot, since Euro was released on 01 January 1999; however, Marcia tells Eladio that Don Carlos offered 300 Euros. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): “A Espera” (“The Wait”)
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★ 8 / 10
Sometimes it feels as if the movie wants
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…
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.
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★ 4 / 10
The Wait (2023): A Slow-Burning Thriller with Missed
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…
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.
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86%
TOMATOMETER
· 21 reviews
86%
AUDIENCE
6.0/10
1.1K
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Another Movie where evil prevailed . They must make a part2 where evil stops.