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Phenomena (2023)

Phenomena (2023)

6.7

A fun though familiar Spanish horror comedy centered on a real-life team of Ghostbusters

Movie

Spain
Spanish
Comedy, Horror, Thriller
2023

TLDR

It’s not exactly a unique phenomenon… But it’s still a fun little watch especially for those who want a lighter scare.

What it's about

Right before the turn of the century, three middle-aged women team up with a priest to form a paranormal investigation team called the Hepta group. While dealing with personal affairs, they take on a case involving an antique shop, thinking that it would be a regular case, until their leader, Father Pilón, disappears.

The take

Inspired by the real-life Hepta Group, Phenomena is an entertaining, though familiar supernatural horror comedy. As the three women in the Hepta Group take on a case that took down their leader, Sagrario, Paz, and Gloria can’t help but bite and snap at each other affectionately, even just before conducting a seance. But it’s their chemistry that keeps the predictable plot entertaining. It’s a bit old school, and at times, inconsistent, but the technical aspects are decently executed. Big horror fans and viewers looking for a creepier thrill might not enjoy this lighthearted seance, but it might be a fun watch for viewers new to the genre.

What stands out

Phenomena isn’t new– on the surface, it’s practically Ghostbusters, and the story is taken from the real life paranormal investigation group. Any fear and terror felt would be familiar to most viewers, especially as the film does have some jumpscares. However, the film is still a fun watch with the three women on the helm. Belén Rueda, Gracia Olayo, and Toni Acosta may not have the goofy, SNL-esque humor of the American 80’s classic, but they have that snappy, biting suggestive dynamic that middle-aged aunties would have that makes Phenomena fun to watch, even if the plot isn’t totally memorable.

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