The Chapel (film)

The Chapel (La ermita) is a 2023 Spanish supernatural drama film directed by Carlota Pereda and co-written by Albert Bertran, Carmelo Viera, and Pereda which stars Belén Rueda and Maia Zaitegi.

Plot
8-year-old Emma seeks guidance and help from false medium Carol to contact with the ghost of a girl trapped in a chapel, so Emma could be able to communicate with her terminally-ill mother once she dies.

Production
The film was co-written by Albert Bertran Bas, Carmelo Viera, and Carlota Pereda. It is a Filmax and Bixagu Entertainment production, and it had the participation of Netflix, RTVE, and EiTB, and backing from ICAA and Creative Europe MEDIA. Shot in between the Basque Country and Navarre, filming locations included Usurbil and Leitza.

Release
The Chapel was presented at the 56th Sitges Film Festival on 12 October 2023. It was released theatrically in Spain on 17 November 2023. The film is set to have its North American premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 23, 2024.

Reception
Miguel Ángel Romero of Cinemanía rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, considering that starting with a powerful idea, the film becomes less and less effective as it progresses, being a more than worthy film notwithstanding.

José Luis Losa of La Voz de Galicia assessed that the film never works either as an emotional drama or as a horror film.

Accolades

 * 2024 || 38th Goya Awards || Best Special Effects || Eneritz Zapiain, Iñaki Gil "Ketxu" || Pending ||
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