ASTARTE (2017)

 

The short film "Astarte" dives deeply into supernatural and paranormal horror, presenting a gripping and tension-filled narrative. The story follows a group of friends who, driven by curiosity and fascination with the occult, decide to use a Ouija board to try to communicate with the dead. What begins as a seemingly innocent attempt to explore the unknown quickly spirals out of control when a demon emerges, progressively possessing each of the friends.

With direction and screenplay by Danilo Morales, the short stands out not only for its storyline but also for its ability to build a dense and frightening atmosphere. From the very first moments, "Astarte" makes masterful use of visual and sound aesthetics to heighten fear and suspense. The cinematography is dark, alternating between dim lighting and deep shadows, creating an almost suffocating environment. This visual approach is enhanced by meticulous production design that reinforces the feeling of isolation and looming danger, while the unsettling soundtrack punctuates every twist with precision, intensifying the terror as the events unfold.

The use of practical effects and makeup is another element worth highlighting. The depiction of the possessions is carefully crafted to convey a disturbing sense of realism. Each transformation under the entity’s influence is marked by detailed makeup work that amplifies both the graphic and psychological horror, creating a visceral connection with the audience. These creative choices make the atmosphere of "Astarte" sinister, establishing the sense that danger could strike at any moment, which makes the possessions even more frightening and impactful.

The cast, featuring Tamires Osses, Fercho Vilela, Erick Camargo, Stephanie Gomes, André Paixão, Loraine Ribeiro, and André Machado, delivers performances that elevate the quality of the short. The chemistry among the actors and the way they portray growing fear and despair contribute significantly to the immersion of the story. Each character is developed in a way that fosters a sense of closeness with the viewer, who follows their journey into absolute terror as the situation becomes increasingly unbearable.

One of the most intriguing aspects of "Astarte" is its exploration of Judeo-Christian mythology through the entity that gives the film its title. Astarte, originally a goddess worshiped in the ancient Middle East, was later associated with malevolent forces in Christian tradition and equated with Astaroth, one of the great demons of medieval demonology. This reinterpretation is intelligently incorporated into the short, lending the narrative symbolic and mythological depth. The introduction of this demon not only feeds into the graphic horror but also delivers a strong psychological impact on the characters, as the presence of Astarte challenges their understanding of what is real and what is supernatural.

Beyond explicit horror, "Astarte" also invests in an intense emotional and psychological charge. As the friends become possessed, the short explores the signs of despair and helplessness in the face of uncontrollable forces. The camera’s proximity to the characters increases the sense of intimacy with the terrifying events, creating the discomfort necessary to truly “feel” the film. The short employs agile cinematography, with quick movements, tight angles, and abrupt cuts, all of which heighten the tension and create an unpredictable atmosphere. This choice effectively keeps the audience on edge, feeling as powerless as the characters in the midst of chaos.

"Astarte" is without a doubt a must-watch for fans of the horror genre, especially those who appreciate narratives of demonic possession and psychological terror. With confident and efficient direction by Danilo Morales, the film proves that even with limited resources it is possible to craft a work that both frightens and fascinates, using technical and narrative elements with precision. It is a strong example of how horror can be built on simplicity and creativity, offering an immersive and terrifying experience.

With a mix of graphic horror, possession, and psychological elements, "Astarte" is a powerful short film that explores the primal fears of the unknown and the supernatural with striking effectiveness.