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★★★
Directed by: #DarwinReina
Starring: #JenniferEagle, #JJDuffy, #TamiaDow, #GuadalupeHernandez, #IsaacReyes
Short Film Review by: Alexandra James
A Hell of a Trip to Delicias directed by Darwin Reina, follows a couple on holiday in Granada. They are your typical tourists, not looking to really immerse themselves within the culture just to party and have a good time. Their naivety and complete lack of awareness to the history and colonial heritage, paints them in a very negative light and already sets them up to become a big target in this horror! Unfortunately, for this couple they have picked the wrong hotel to enjoy the festivities of Grenada and instead of fun and laughter they will be trapped in a nightmare with no escape. The film focuses on the colonial rule, racism and genocide of the indigenous people. This has left many to be fuelled by anger and vengeance, and unfortunately for the guests at Hotel Delicias, they are prepared to take out their vengeful hate on them.
The film begins with couple Ashley and Matthew arriving in Granada a little lost and confused, however, a worker from the hotel manages to direct them to where they need to go. At first glance and being introduced to Ashley and Matthew, it was not overtly obvious that they were a couple. The pair did not suit each other and so it made it hard to find that connection between the two. As they enter the hotel, they are greeted by the hotel staff, who already seem strange and suspicious and clearly in cahoots! Soon the couple settle in and enjoy the music, food and partake in some dancing with the locals. They eventually end up back at the hotel for a party where they meet other guests such as an Italian couple who share that they will be climbing a volcano the next day. Neither of them knew that would be the last time they set their eyes on them.
The concept of the film was interesting and a horror that is fueled and driven by the theme of revenge can make for a powerful and intense watch. Nevertheless, there were some scenes that felt unnecessary and coupled with the overacting, it made the scenes almost comical. The sex scenes felt slightly out of place and did not add to the intensity, instead it took away some of the buildup. The elements of a horror film and the storyline were there and acted as a driving force. However, there were certain details that needed to change such as the couples lacking that connection, as well as the actor's taking scenes to an extreme which ultimately made aspects of the horror feel amusing rather than fearful and took away from the eeriness of this piece.
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