“When Evil Lurks,” a 2023 horror film, unfolds a story of demonic possession and its devastating impact on a family and a community. The film, set in a rural village, revolves around Pedro and his family as they confront the unimaginable horror of a demonic force.

The Descent into Chaos

The film starts with Pedro suspecting his clothes are a conduit for the demonic force after his family dog becomes possessed and attacks. This incident leads to a series of tragic events including the death of Sabrina, Pedro’s ex-wife, and their daughter, as well as Sabrina’s husband, who becomes possessed after killing the dog.

Pedro, together with his brother Jaime, and their mother, flee the village. During their escape, they encounter Mirta, an old acquaintance with knowledge about demonic possessions. Mirta informs them about the demon’s ability to possess individuals, particularly targeting Pedro’s autistic son, Jair.

The Climactic Confrontation

Pedro and Mirta’s investigation leads them to a local school where they find Uriel, the source of the demonic infestation, manipulating children to protect itself. Despite their efforts, Mirta is killed by the possessed children, and the equipment needed to destroy the demon is destroyed.

In a desperate attempt, Pedro kills Uriel, but this does not stop the demon. It physically manifests and leaves the school, marking its victory and the failure of Pedro to stop it.

Tragic Revelations

The final scenes reveal the true extent of the horror. Pedro finds that his autistic son Jair is possessed by the demon, confirmed by Jair exhibiting unusual behavior and coughing up his grandmother’s hair and pendant, implying he killed her.

In a heart-wrenching decision, Pedro kills his son, believing it to be the only way to stop the demon. The film concludes with Pedro, broken and alone, reflecting on the devastation that has befallen his family.

Interpretation and Review

“When Evil Lurks” presents a unique take on demonic possession, intertwining traditional horror elements with psychological drama. The film’s portrayal of possession as a contagious plague adds a layer of complexity, depicting the demon as a force adapting to and overcoming various challenges, including the mind of an autistic child.

The film has been critiqued for its portrayal of characters and narrative choices, with some scenes feeling unintentionally comedic due to overacting and production value. The inclusion of seven specific rules for dealing with demons adds to the film’s complexity but is also a point of criticism for being introduced late and not being effectively integrated into the narrative.

In summary, “When Evil Lurks” offers a grim and unsettling story of a family’s fight against a relentless demonic force. The film’s conclusion leaves viewers pondering the nature of evil and the painful choices one must make in the face of such darkness.