My Review Of “The Nameless” 1999

“The Nameless” is a Spanish film that blends elements of psychological horror with Italian polizieschi (Italo-crime) while keeping with a traditional, modernistic iconoclasm of sorts. The film focuses on a fringe cult networked throughout the hidden realms of polite society, lurking in the shadows in order to manipulate and nurture the darker elements of fate by heralding in a sort of abysmal chaos that feeds on the sorrows of humanity. This film is directed by Jaume Balagueró and follows Claudia, a mother whom after the death of her daughter, tries desperately to put the pieces of her life back together. On the anniversary of the tragic abduction, and inevitable demise of the daughter, the mother struggles to hold things together as new sinister evidence comes to light that suggest a less fatal fate for the child. Events are brought to light that create an even darker nightmare for Claudia to endure in order gain the answers, and daughter that she desperately seeks.

“The Nameless” begins with a very haunting, somber atmospheric surrealism that creates a hollow since of desperation, which carries strongly throughout the whole film. There is coldness and loss emanating in this film that pulls at the viewer emotionally. Unfortunately it is also meet with almost dull, humdrum-ness as the somber becomes numbness, which pulses into an almost boredom for the viewer as we long for some more thrilling material to give rise, and shed a darkened excitement to the movie. So basically for the first third of this film you are required to have patients because this is a story that marinates before it climaxes. And this movie does have some minor climaxes that begin in the middle of the film. It is an intense plot that opens up a whole new realm of social perversion and lack of awareness of the people we share our social spaces with.

Much like Italian giallos tend to do, “The Nameless” builds with a mournful nature, almost mesmerizing the as the mother’s story unfolds. The twisted enlightenment that she gains, in searching for her daughter,  opens up a whole new sense of heartfelt dread when the true circumstances of her daughter’s situation come to light. Soon we are given gory, and thrilling elements that make the long wait worthwhile. The suspense is a steady, low pulse almost until the end of the film, with only those minor climaxes that fluctuate within the story. The gruesome actions displayed during this psychological ebb ‘n’ flow are gory and rewarding. The subtext, and the subject matter both create an unnerving quality, that makes the anticipation of what will come next truly exciting. Plus the blunt, quick finality of it all is super climactic.

“The Nameless” is not for all, however. If you are a fan of slow-moving, emotional melodramas that play with elements of horror, giallo, and thriller, with a steady heartbeat, then this film is worth checking out. There is a lot of character driven drama with minimal scenes of actual gory horror in this movie so be warned, if your are seeking the over-the-top giallo, filled with all things gruesome. This film is more of a rated –R story, more typical to TV movies than theatrical release, save the fact that it puts the subject matter, and intent in your face with bluntness. Also the scenes of death and fatal ending that some of the cast meet would never make it on television.-well not American television and never with such point blank actuality. I enjoyed this movie but it took the entire length of the film to appreciate the depth and character that this movie holds.