My experience with "Amelia's Children" was unfortunately disrupted by a chaotic cinema environment, with people's loud commentary and disruptive behavior from teenagers consuming alcohol triggering an alarm and briefly interrupting a crucial moment in the film.
Despite these issues, I hope to revisit the film without the negative cinema ambiance, which has become increasingly common in Portuguese commercial theaters.
On a positive note, the film is a commendable entry into Portuguese horror, delivering quality comparable to the North American sector. Technically impressive with excellent sound, it overcomes the typical issue of Portuguese films feeling acoustically confined. The horror genre is explored refreshingly without the usual slowness or amateurishness seen in Portuguese attempts. Director Gabriel Abrantes shows promise, effectively incorporating morbid elements in both visuals and narrative, creating tension and impactful moments. The storyline and editing are praised for a mysterious plot with seamlessly integrated revelations, culminating in a gripping third act that heightens anxiety. The nighttime scenes' photography is admired for effectively conveying fear through lighting and camera angles, with certain character shots leaving a lasting impression.
However, there are drawbacks, including the film losing some Portuguese essence due to the predominant use of English and non-Portuguese protagonists. Additionally, there's difficulty in immersing oneself in the suspense and mystery during the final stages of the first act and the beginning of the second, as the film momentarily veers away from horror to embrace different approaches.
Despite these issues, I hope to revisit the film without the negative cinema ambiance, which has become increasingly common in Portuguese commercial theaters.
On a positive note, the film is a commendable entry into Portuguese horror, delivering quality comparable to the North American sector. Technically impressive with excellent sound, it overcomes the typical issue of Portuguese films feeling acoustically confined. The horror genre is explored refreshingly without the usual slowness or amateurishness seen in Portuguese attempts. Director Gabriel Abrantes shows promise, effectively incorporating morbid elements in both visuals and narrative, creating tension and impactful moments. The storyline and editing are praised for a mysterious plot with seamlessly integrated revelations, culminating in a gripping third act that heightens anxiety. The nighttime scenes' photography is admired for effectively conveying fear through lighting and camera angles, with certain character shots leaving a lasting impression.
However, there are drawbacks, including the film losing some Portuguese essence due to the predominant use of English and non-Portuguese protagonists. Additionally, there's difficulty in immersing oneself in the suspense and mystery during the final stages of the first act and the beginning of the second, as the film momentarily veers away from horror to embrace different approaches.