The Entity ( 2019 )

The Entity (2019): A Deep Dive into Psychological and Paranormal Horror

The Entity (original title: La Entidad), a 2019 Peruvian horror film directed by Eduardo Schuldt, offers a chilling exploration of the intersection between technology, urban legends, and the potential for malevolent forces in the digital age. While not a widely known title, it has garnered attention for its unique premise, unsettling atmosphere, and blending of found footage elements with a more traditional narrative structure. The film delves into themes of isolation, the dangers of reckless curiosity, and the psychological toll of encountering the unknown.

Synopsis

The story revolves around a group of university students in Lima, Peru, who are studying communications. They become obsessed with an urban legend surrounding a mysterious entity that appears on social media, specifically through videos and images tagged with a specific symbol. Driven by a desire for notoriety and academic recognition, they embark on a quest to find the origin of this symbol and document their findings for a class project. Their investigation leads them down a dark and dangerous path, as they discover that the entity is far more real and malevolent than they initially imagined. As they delve deeper, they begin to experience increasingly disturbing phenomena, ultimately putting their lives and sanity at risk. The film unfolds through a combination of found footage recorded by the students and a traditional narrative that pieces together the events as they spiral out of control.

The Premise: Urban Legends in the Digital Age

One of the most compelling aspects of The Entity is its exploration of urban legends in the context of modern technology. The film taps into the anxieties surrounding the internet and social media, presenting them not just as tools for communication but also as potential conduits for something far more sinister. The anonymity and rapid spread of information online can create fertile ground for urban legends to take root and flourish. The film suggests that these legends, fueled by fear and speculation, can sometimes manifest in ways that blur the line between the digital and the real world. The students' initial fascination with the entity stems from a desire to understand and potentially debunk the urban legend, but their pursuit quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival as they realize the legend is far more powerful and dangerous than they could have ever anticipated.

Blending Found Footage and Traditional Narrative

The Entity utilizes a hybrid approach to its storytelling, incorporating elements of found footage within a more traditional narrative framework. This technique allows the film to create a sense of immediacy and realism, drawing the audience into the students' perspective and amplifying the feeling of dread. The found footage sequences, captured by the students' cameras and phones, provide glimpses into their investigation, their growing fear, and the disturbing phenomena they encounter. However, the film also employs a traditional narrative structure to provide context, fill in gaps in the footage, and offer a broader perspective on the events. This blend of styles helps to maintain a level of suspense and intrigue throughout the film.

Themes Explored

The Entity explores several compelling themes that resonate with contemporary anxieties:

• The Dangers of Curiosity: The students' initial curiosity about the urban legend drives them to investigate, but their relentless pursuit ultimately leads them into a dangerous and potentially fatal situation. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting boundaries and understanding the potential consequences of delving into the unknown.
• Isolation and Disconnection: Despite being constantly connected through technology, the students experience a sense of isolation and disconnection from the real world. Their obsession with the online entity distracts them from their relationships and their surroundings, making them more vulnerable to its influence.
• The Power of Belief: The film suggests that the belief in the entity, fueled by urban legends and online rumors, may play a role in its manifestation. The students' growing fear and paranoia contribute to the entity's power, making it increasingly difficult to escape its grasp.
• Technology and the Paranormal: The Entity explores the potential for technology to act as a conduit for paranormal activity. The entity's presence is manifested through digital media, suggesting that the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds may be blurring.

Characters

While not deeply developed, the characters serve as vessels through which the audience experiences the unfolding horror. They are relatable in their youthful ambition and their susceptibility to the allure of the unknown. The ensemble cast contributes to the film's realism, making their descent into terror all the more effective.

Here's a breakdown of some of the key characters:

Directorial Style and Cinematography

Eduardo Schuldt's direction effectively builds suspense and creates a sense of unease throughout the film. The use of shaky cam and first-person perspectives during the found footage sequences heightens the sense of realism and immerses the audience in the characters' experiences. The film's cinematography also plays a crucial role in creating a chilling atmosphere, utilizing dark and claustrophobic settings to amplify the sense of dread. The visual effects, while not overly elaborate, are used sparingly and effectively to create disturbing imagery and enhance the overall sense of horror.

Critical Reception

The Entity has received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its unique premise, unsettling atmosphere, and effective use of found footage elements, while others criticized its slow pace, lack of character development, and reliance on jump scares. Despite the mixed reception, the film has garnered a following among horror fans who appreciate its originality and its exploration of contemporary anxieties. Due to its limited release, a comprehensive overview of critical reception is somewhat challenging to assemble. However, analyses often highlight the following points:

Comparison to Other Horror Films

The Entity shares thematic and stylistic similarities with other horror films that explore the dangers of technology and the paranormal. Films like Ringu (1998), Pulse (2001), and Unfriended (2014) also deal with the idea of malevolent entities using technology to spread fear and terror. Similarly, films like The Blair Witch Project (1999) and Paranormal Activity (2007) utilize found footage techniques to create a sense of realism and immersion. However, The Entity distinguishes itself through its unique Peruvian setting, its exploration of urban legends in the digital age, and its blend of found footage and traditional narrative styles.

Here's a table comparing it to similar films:

Conclusion

The Entity (2019) is a compelling and unsettling horror film that offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, urban legends, and the paranormal. While it may not be a perfect film, its strengths lie in its originality, its atmospheric tension, and its exploration of contemporary anxieties. The film's blend of found footage and traditional narrative styles creates a sense of realism and immersion, drawing the audience into the students' terrifying experience. For horror fans seeking a fresh and thought-provoking take on the genre, The Entity is definitely worth a watch.