This is an excellent Spanish horror thriller which follows closely in production both The Orphanage and Pans Labrynth and there is also a touch of 'Orphan' about it with the 'wild child' theme.
The fact that Santi has a suffering of his own with the skin disease and that Santi quite possibly sleeps in the bedroom that would have been Erikas when she lived at the house with her German parents suggests that she felt a sympathy for him. His suffering is apparent from the opening scene and I think paramount to the film itself; many of the key events happen at night, there is a lot fine attention to detail on this issue.
The story is acceptable enough with the Mother working as a translator and opting to take Santi with her to a northerly point in Spain (on medical advice) where Santi will have the effect of the sun least.
The 'Gecko' has its role to play in its relation with Santi and in his relation (call it that) to the wild child who saves him at the end.
the very final scene is baffling to all and myself included and I have watched it through on many occasions. The rock in the hand and the gecko have some relevance (and who comes into the room?) but it shouldn't detract fromt he entertainment value of a very fine film.
Think I would have preferred it in original Spanish language and not dubbed over with American accents, so unnecessary, I would have been content with English subtitles, as in many foreign language movies.
Nothing vampiresque about this movie despite the blood-letting by the wild child but Twilight comes slightly to mind in the flirtatiousness between Santi and the Policemans Daughter.
SHIVER is of course the English title to the movie. definiely a movie for DVD and to wonder about almost every scene. A horror film which really makes you think, it is intelligent slick worth watching without a doubt!
The fact that Santi has a suffering of his own with the skin disease and that Santi quite possibly sleeps in the bedroom that would have been Erikas when she lived at the house with her German parents suggests that she felt a sympathy for him. His suffering is apparent from the opening scene and I think paramount to the film itself; many of the key events happen at night, there is a lot fine attention to detail on this issue.
The story is acceptable enough with the Mother working as a translator and opting to take Santi with her to a northerly point in Spain (on medical advice) where Santi will have the effect of the sun least.
The 'Gecko' has its role to play in its relation with Santi and in his relation (call it that) to the wild child who saves him at the end.
the very final scene is baffling to all and myself included and I have watched it through on many occasions. The rock in the hand and the gecko have some relevance (and who comes into the room?) but it shouldn't detract fromt he entertainment value of a very fine film.
Think I would have preferred it in original Spanish language and not dubbed over with American accents, so unnecessary, I would have been content with English subtitles, as in many foreign language movies.
Nothing vampiresque about this movie despite the blood-letting by the wild child but Twilight comes slightly to mind in the flirtatiousness between Santi and the Policemans Daughter.
SHIVER is of course the English title to the movie. definiely a movie for DVD and to wonder about almost every scene. A horror film which really makes you think, it is intelligent slick worth watching without a doubt!