Cast
View AllClare Durant
as Alex
Iván Pellicer
as Abraham
Luis Bermejo
as Daniel
Liz Lobato
as Laura
Chacha Huang
as Anchi
Ángela Molina
as Karla Berger
Manuela Pedraza
as Grandmother
Rocío Borrallo
as Presence
Adrián Fernández
as Abraham (child)
Cayetana Luque
as Alex (child)
Manuela Luque
as Alex (child)
José Baena
as Child at the end
Crew
Director
- Laura Alvea
- José F. Ortuño
Producer
- Olmo Figueredo
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Animas presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Laura Alvea brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Animas took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Animas shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, which focuses more on action than character development, Animas subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ali: Fear Eats the Soul and The Killing explore similar territory, Animas stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 5, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Where to Watch

