This movie starts out brilliantly presenting the 3 main characters. Amazing acting by all 3 of them, the comedy element was very much appreciated but faded completely during the last part of the movie. The ending was a bit too serious and felt rushed. Overall very fun to watch, ideal for a family movie night we really enjoyed it and the acting was top-notch. On the horror front it does not innovate and cannot compete with the best Spanish horror movies like The Orphanage. Don't watch it if you want jump scares, a well developed atmosphere or simply to get scared. Would have been an 8 if it didn't take itself too seriously.
16 Reviews
a fun charming movie
LetsReviewThat2622 April 2023
Fenomenas or phenomena is a spanish netflix movie that is pretty good overall. It has a good mix of comedy and horror, though more comedic it becomes in some parts. The movie is all about three sisters that we dont know are at first. Sagrario, paz and gloria. Gloria of which can comunicate with the dead. All three like a smoke and drink and after their father is put in the hospital because of something mysterious. Gloria takes her sisters back to the house in an attempt to communicate and find out who did it to him. This is where a lot of the comedy elements take place and ill have to say it becomes quite good. Overall phenomena is a good and fun movie to watch and was acted well.
A very average addition to the horror genre with a few fun scenes
kevin_robbins7 May 2023
Phenomena (2023) is a Spanish film recently released to Netflix. This true story tells a tale of a group of aging ladies in the 1970s that form a group to research paranormal phenomena around Madrid. We follow the group as it grows in numbers and cases to research. Their group is still active to this day...
This movie is directed by Carlos Therón (It's for Your Own Good) and stars Belén Rueda (The Sea Inside), Gracia Olayo (The Last Circus), Toni Acosta (Dangerous Mims) and Ivan Massagué (Pan's Labyrinth).
The premise for this was pretty good and the characters were interesting and well depicted. The hair style and way they captured the era gave me Golden Girl vibes for some reason. The horror elements were mediocre and made for television caliber, like a PG13 horror movie. There's a lot of cheese in this. The seance scenes were okay, and I enjoyed the final showdown at the end. This is just a very soft, cheesy horror movie.
Overall, this was a very average addition to the horror genre with a few fun scenes. I would score this a 5.5/10 and recommend skipping it.
This movie is directed by Carlos Therón (It's for Your Own Good) and stars Belén Rueda (The Sea Inside), Gracia Olayo (The Last Circus), Toni Acosta (Dangerous Mims) and Ivan Massagué (Pan's Labyrinth).
The premise for this was pretty good and the characters were interesting and well depicted. The hair style and way they captured the era gave me Golden Girl vibes for some reason. The horror elements were mediocre and made for television caliber, like a PG13 horror movie. There's a lot of cheese in this. The seance scenes were okay, and I enjoyed the final showdown at the end. This is just a very soft, cheesy horror movie.
Overall, this was a very average addition to the horror genre with a few fun scenes. I would score this a 5.5/10 and recommend skipping it.
Dull witch hunt.
chand-suhas13 May 2023
Inspired by real characters, this story narrates three women experts at investigating paranormal activities taking up another such case but this time it's quite personal. As the trio dig through the phenomenon, they find out, nothing is what it seems and there is more to this case than what the trio can even comprehend. Will they be able to solve this case on time forms the story.
The narrative tries to balance drama with humor. The premise too is interesting. However the execution remained half engaging. The female leads were fun for the most part. The film delivered on the humor but lacked the scares. The imminent threat wasn't established properly apart from the loud background score. The dynamics the trio shared and their conflicts could have been better if there was more of their past.
The film does get intriguing towards the end with the reveal. But it felt too late by then.
The narrative tries to balance drama with humor. The premise too is interesting. However the execution remained half engaging. The female leads were fun for the most part. The film delivered on the humor but lacked the scares. The imminent threat wasn't established properly apart from the loud background score. The dynamics the trio shared and their conflicts could have been better if there was more of their past.
The film does get intriguing towards the end with the reveal. But it felt too late by then.
Deadly serious
kosmasp24 April 2023
No pun intended - I actually thought the movie would be a comedy to be honest. Probably because I knew the actors involved in this and also because it gave that vibe - seeing the poster or preview image on Netflix. Well shame on me I reckon - but I did have fun watching this (to continue with my puns I reckon).
The actors involved in this can not only do comedy obviously but are great actors in general. The deadly may have been a bit of a heightened statement - and was made for laughs on my side. So do not have expectations this will not fulfill - and that is where we get back to how we started right? How I perceived it and what it really is ... great cinematography and set design.
The actors involved in this can not only do comedy obviously but are great actors in general. The deadly may have been a bit of a heightened statement - and was made for laughs on my side. So do not have expectations this will not fulfill - and that is where we get back to how we started right? How I perceived it and what it really is ... great cinematography and set design.
Absolute garbage
MV016922 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The three 60+ year old women in this movie try much too hard to be "cool" and "badass" with the corny one liners. The ghost or demon that was possessing people at different times made them slam their heads against various objects, which is exactly what I wanted to do during my viewing. At no point was this frightening or scary. This had the feel of a sci-fi channel horror movie. The dialogue was comical and not in a good way, and towards the end of the movie it became a jumbled mess as far as the plot is concerned. Don't waste your time with this. I spent the bulk majority staring at the screen in awe of how atrocious this movie was. Anybody who enjoyed this, may god have mercy on your soul.
Shapes out to be a pretty good watch.
lojitsu27 May 2023
Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Phenomena" (TV-MA - 2023 - Netflix)
Genre: Horror/Paranormal
My Score: 6.6 Cast=4 Acting=5 Plot=5 Ending=9 Story=9 Scare=5 Jump=7 F/X=6 Creep=6 Twist=10
Three middle-aged women who investigate paranormal events are put to the test when their leader disappears.
"When you're investigating paranormal phenomena, you first rule out normal phenomena." This started out really bad...it was like watching grass grow for the first half of the film. The second half is much better...with a twist that fees like an ending. All of a sudden, the movie goes in a much more dangerous direction and the true ending made the movie for me. This movie about the Hepta Group ended up to be a pretty good watch.
My Score: 6.6 Cast=4 Acting=5 Plot=5 Ending=9 Story=9 Scare=5 Jump=7 F/X=6 Creep=6 Twist=10
Three middle-aged women who investigate paranormal events are put to the test when their leader disappears.
"When you're investigating paranormal phenomena, you first rule out normal phenomena." This started out really bad...it was like watching grass grow for the first half of the film. The second half is much better...with a twist that fees like an ending. All of a sudden, the movie goes in a much more dangerous direction and the true ending made the movie for me. This movie about the Hepta Group ended up to be a pretty good watch.
Lacking horror and lacking an interesting script...
paul_haakonsen15 June 2023
When I stumbled upon this 2023 Spanish horror movie titled "Fenómenas" (aka "Phenomena") on Netflix, I opted to sit down and watch it. Sure, I had never actually heard about the movie, so I didn't know what I was in for here. And I am by no means familiar with the real life group of paranormal investigators upon which this movie was based.
Writers Marta Buchaca and Fernando Navarro put together a script and storyline that fell utterly short of entertaining me. Especially since I was expecting a paranormal horror movie, but was instead presented with a drama with light supernatural elements. Talk about a swing and a miss from the writers.
With my limited exposure to the Spanish cinema, then I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in "Fenómenas", though Tony Acosta seemed very familiar to me. It should be noted, however, that the cast ensemble in the movie put on good acting performances, despite of the script utterly failing to entertain me.
Visually then "Fenómenas" wasn't impressive. It is not a movie that really makes use of special effects in an abundance, so not even that could help lift up the otherwise inferior storyline and script.
For a horror movie, then I have to say that "Fenómenas" was a stroll in the park. There was absolutely nothing scary in the storyline. Well, maybe it if you are fresh off of the boat and never seen horror movies before, sure...
My rating of director Carlos Therón's 2023 horror movie "Fenómenas" lands on a three out of ten stars.
Writers Marta Buchaca and Fernando Navarro put together a script and storyline that fell utterly short of entertaining me. Especially since I was expecting a paranormal horror movie, but was instead presented with a drama with light supernatural elements. Talk about a swing and a miss from the writers.
With my limited exposure to the Spanish cinema, then I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in "Fenómenas", though Tony Acosta seemed very familiar to me. It should be noted, however, that the cast ensemble in the movie put on good acting performances, despite of the script utterly failing to entertain me.
Visually then "Fenómenas" wasn't impressive. It is not a movie that really makes use of special effects in an abundance, so not even that could help lift up the otherwise inferior storyline and script.
For a horror movie, then I have to say that "Fenómenas" was a stroll in the park. There was absolutely nothing scary in the storyline. Well, maybe it if you are fresh off of the boat and never seen horror movies before, sure...
My rating of director Carlos Therón's 2023 horror movie "Fenómenas" lands on a three out of ten stars.
It is ok. Not bad not good.
erhanipekciler9 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know why but I didn't watch in one part, actually it made me bored but I just wondered the end so because of that I finished. It is kind of girl power movie. There is a strange scene in it ( actually 2 absurd thing for me), why these ladies sent physicist young guy in the middle of the movie? ( and second absurd scene was kissing of two ladies.. So unnecessarily again) story is super cliché, some scenes were really thrilling. There was some funny moments also. Belen Rueda is so beautiful. They can make second movie maybe. Characters are so suitable for trilogy in my opinion. I found an error in the movie by the way ; this crazy mother scene, door was locked and how Gloria has entered in the house? I don't understand. Quimi detail was not clear for me. Is it real or ghost? I love the atmosphere and place.
Anyway, it is 6 from me, without any expectations, you can watch and you can kill your time. I am sure you did watch better version of this before.
Anyway, it is 6 from me, without any expectations, you can watch and you can kill your time. I am sure you did watch better version of this before.
Entertaining Spanish Ghostbusters
neil-douglas201021 April 2023
I've watched a few Spanish films in the past couple of years and this is as good as any of them. Set in Madrid in 1998 where it seems to rain all the time, it's about three paranormal investigators and a sinister case they get entwined in. The three ladies are Gloria, Sagrario and Paz. All three are played very well by Toni Acosta, Belen Rueda and Gracia Olayo. In tone it reminded me a bit of 7 Women and a Murder, another Netflix film, this time an Italian one. Of the three leads it's Olayo as Paz that stands out for me as she's the more comedic character.
This film is very enjoyable and is light hearted but also has it's creepier moments.
This film is very enjoyable and is light hearted but also has it's creepier moments.
A seance and witty
mariapiacostagliola4 May 2023
You're already trapped by bewitching filmic photography and powerful set design that leaves no room for couch distractions. Facts of paranormal phenomena told in a story of great suspense with a gripping crescendo, mysterious, breathless, but at the same time graceful thanks to the indistinguishable Spanish irony of the three female heroines who also allow you to smile in moments of jolt during some scenes of high tension in the second part of the story supported by an irrepressible, handsome, robust and conciliatory sound like the deeds of the three women who alone save their ..... Maria Pia.
Fun film to watch
panther_husky15 April 2023
This was quite an entertaining film. For the non Spanish people, the actors are comedians but do a great job as serious actors. There are some funny moments, especially within the dialogue which lightens the mood of the film.
Unfortunately, for me the ending was a little disappointing. The lead up to it was somewhat flat. There were incidents in the film which had to be questioned and really, why did they do this when it had nothing much to do with the story line.
All in all, the film was fun to watch. I enjoyed the characters (the three women) and it was also good to bring back the Hepta Group that was well known here years ago.
Unfortunately, for me the ending was a little disappointing. The lead up to it was somewhat flat. There were incidents in the film which had to be questioned and really, why did they do this when it had nothing much to do with the story line.
All in all, the film was fun to watch. I enjoyed the characters (the three women) and it was also good to bring back the Hepta Group that was well known here years ago.
I liked it.
rmgriffiths29 May 2023
This is better than any Hollywood horror out there now. It was fun and engaging and spooky. The cast of three older characters was a breath of fresh air in a industry thrusting young actors and actress onto the screen. I would.live to see a series of films following these three. It had it's faults but overall it's a fun spooky film.. where amazingly it an actual ghost at the end for a change. Like I stated the atmosphere created and way TS made to feel spooky with a background of dread surpasses any other horror film made in the last 5 years. And the odd chuckle added to make it really enjoyable.
Three Badass Witches...Madrid's Hepta Group Gets Their Story Told On The Silver Screen.
meddlecore30 July 2023
I really enjoyed this film.
Based on the true story of the Hepta Group- a group of paranormal investigators/ghostbusters from Spain, consisting of a priest; three witches, including a television personality, a technician, and psychic; as well as a young skeptic (who possesses some unknown powers of his own)- the film is constructed as The Entity meets Evil Dead.
The plot revolves around an investigation that follows the unexplained death of their leader, Father Pilon.
Who suffered a stroke- which he would later succumb to- during a case at the newly acquired venue of a couple of antique dealers, who have been experiencing a series of paranormal phenomena.
Leading them to seek answers from the expertise of the Hepta Group members.
To honour his memory, the women pick up where he left off.
A task which would inevitably pit them against a particularly dark, and powerful, spiritual force.
Whom they may have butted heads with in the past.
In their most memorable unsolved case...at Vergara Palace.
(Note: While there is a Vergara Palace in Chile, I can't find evidence for a similarly named structure in Spain...unless it is the Valencian palace, featuring the gothic art of sculptor Ignacio Vergara.)
Which makes this one case that won't exactly be as straight forward as it seems.
Great acting. Some nice cult-style cinematography. An awesome story. And a crazy intense ending...make for one highly entertaining experience.
Do yourself a favour, and don't pass this one up.
Because it is one of the best horror films of the year.
8 out of 10.
Based on the true story of the Hepta Group- a group of paranormal investigators/ghostbusters from Spain, consisting of a priest; three witches, including a television personality, a technician, and psychic; as well as a young skeptic (who possesses some unknown powers of his own)- the film is constructed as The Entity meets Evil Dead.
The plot revolves around an investigation that follows the unexplained death of their leader, Father Pilon.
Who suffered a stroke- which he would later succumb to- during a case at the newly acquired venue of a couple of antique dealers, who have been experiencing a series of paranormal phenomena.
Leading them to seek answers from the expertise of the Hepta Group members.
To honour his memory, the women pick up where he left off.
A task which would inevitably pit them against a particularly dark, and powerful, spiritual force.
Whom they may have butted heads with in the past.
In their most memorable unsolved case...at Vergara Palace.
(Note: While there is a Vergara Palace in Chile, I can't find evidence for a similarly named structure in Spain...unless it is the Valencian palace, featuring the gothic art of sculptor Ignacio Vergara.)
Which makes this one case that won't exactly be as straight forward as it seems.
Great acting. Some nice cult-style cinematography. An awesome story. And a crazy intense ending...make for one highly entertaining experience.
Do yourself a favour, and don't pass this one up.
Because it is one of the best horror films of the year.
8 out of 10.
Easily The Best Paranormal investigator Movie
guisebule23 April 2023
I created an IMDB account just to leave this review, because paranormal movies with demons in them are my speciality, and also because the IMBD score of this movie is criminally low.
Phenomena is easily one of the best paranormal investigation movies ever made, if not the best. Their demon was quite simply best in class with a fantastic backstory, the three witches were brilliant as a team and lovable as individuals and you would want to be friends with the them. If you can speak Spanish this movie is a delight, even if you can't it's still a wonderful movie.
Shut up, stop browsing IMDB and watch it you fools, then get in touch with me to thank me. You are welcome.
Phenomena is easily one of the best paranormal investigation movies ever made, if not the best. Their demon was quite simply best in class with a fantastic backstory, the three witches were brilliant as a team and lovable as individuals and you would want to be friends with the them. If you can speak Spanish this movie is a delight, even if you can't it's still a wonderful movie.
Shut up, stop browsing IMDB and watch it you fools, then get in touch with me to thank me. You are welcome.
Absolutely loved it.
einar-thor-fjeldsted25 January 2024
There is a certain charm too this film and everything about it and it you can watch it again and again and the ente quality never thins out. I kinda wish there were more of these type of films that offer the "simple" pleasure and you can just shut off and enjoy them. We have too many edgy and try hard films and shows that lack the warmth and humour yet hold the thrill at the same time and that is kinda rare nowadays in my opinion.
If they would make more films and maybe focus on each case the hepta group took one with these actors it would definitely be worth the watch and I for one would love it.
If they would make more films and maybe focus on each case the hepta group took one with these actors it would definitely be worth the watch and I for one would love it.
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