Alucarda:
Director: Juan López Moctezuma
Year: 1977
Rated: R
Genre: Horror
Length: 1 hour 18 minutes
Country of Origin: Mexico
Language: Spanish, English
Streaming on: YouTube
Summarizing the Film
Going to the late seventies for Day 24 of 31 Days of Horror Movie Challenge: Sinister Rituals, with 1977’s Alucarda. A supernatural horror film directed by Juan López Moctezuma, the story unfolds in a Catholic convent where the teenage orphan Justine befriends Alucarda, raised by nuns since infancy. Their lives take a dark turn when they encounter a gypsy possessed by Satan, leading to demonic possession, chaos in the convent, and a clash between good and evil that tests the beliefs of Father Lázaro and the skeptic Dr. Oszek.
A Sacrilegious and Surreal Gem
A sacrilegious and surreal gem, Alucarda injects vitality into occult horror. The film’s unapologetic exploration of nudity, blood, blasphemy, and satanism marks it as a unique masterpiece.
Effects and Filming Techniques
Alucarda captivates with imaginative sets, particularly the convent resembling a cavern and tiered Christs hanging ominously. The nuns draped in torn, bloodied bandages add a macabre touch. Director Juan López Moctezuma’s moody presentation, coupled with trippy organ music, creates an unsettling atmosphere. The film’s spirited pace and chilling scenes are enhanced by practical effects.
Technology at the Time
Filmed in 1977, Alucarda creatively used practical effects and atmospheric locations, maximizing the eerie ambiance of the English countryside. Trippy organ music and the unconventional use of traditional props contribute to the film’s unique aesthetic.
Matured Into a Horror Classic
Alucarda, initially an exploitative marvel, has matured into a horror classic. Its fusion of horror themes, intense visuals, and thematic depth has earned its mark for Day 24 of 31 Days of Horror Movie Challenge: Sinister Rituals. Whether you seek blood, blasphemy, or a clash between good and evil, Alucarda delivers.