Movie spotlight
Cualquier Cosa
An actor from the provinces, a soap-opera star, reaches the big city with dreams of success. Partly through sincerity and partly prompted by an uneasy conscience, he wants to revolutionize the traditional photo-novel by linking it to social and political reality, to "bring social conscience to the masses" by utilizing this traditionally manipulative and alienating mass medium. The film narrates, in a tragicomic tone, the itinerary followed by Gualberto Rodriguez in his efforts to produce his 'revolutionary' photo-novel: the story of a peasant that migrates to the city, becomes a blue-collar worker, tries to establish a union, and ends up falling in love with the factory owner's daughter. The 'revolutionary' ends up being used, manipulated, and his project fails completely.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of tourists seeking adventure in the Spanish countryside stumble upon a secluded village with a dark secret. They soon discover that the villagers are involved in sinister rituals and will stop at nothing to protect their ancient traditions. As the tourists try to escape, they find themselves hunted by the increasingly hostile locals.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Cualquier Cosa' received mixed to negative reviews, with some critics praising its atmospheric tension and visuals, while others found its plot convoluted and its horror elements uninspired. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating its exploitation-horror style and others finding it lacking in genuine scares or narrative coherence.
What Reviewers Say
Presents a dark and atmospheric, albeit somewhat nonsensical, descent into rural horror.
Features some unsettling imagery and a committed performance from its lead, but ultimately struggles with pacing and a clear narrative.
An obscure cult film that appeals to fans of gritty, low-budget European horror but may alienate general audiences.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and generally reflect a niche appreciation for the film's raw, gritty style and its status as a lesser-known horror entry. Those who enjoy it often cite its unique atmosphere and memorable, if bizarre, moments.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in rural Spain and capitalized on the popular 'rural horror' subgenre that was prevalent in European cinema during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
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