Ofelia and her mother are on their way to her step-father's house in 1940s Spain. Far from being a holiday retreat the region is in constant conflict between the rebels and the military.

Her step-father is more interested in his unborn child than his wife, and he's only interested in him because it will leave him a legacy. On top of everything else Ofelia meets some fairies and a rather scary looking faun.

It is a strange mix of films and despite its subject matter it is clear that this film is not intended for a young audience. The fact that this film is in its entirity filmed in Spanish was not as big a problem as I had, at first, thought it would be.

There are some very gorey moments and some bloody moments but all of which are integral to the realism and plot. There are no moments where you think, "well that was unnecessary".

Like I said, its an odd concept placing a story about fairies right in the midst of the war against fascism, but I suppose its where a child would need such escapism most. It's clever also that you are never really sure whether what she sees is actually happening.

If you can keep up with subtitles and like fantasy films with some sporadic violence. Then this is one for you.

see also:
District 9, Battle Los Angeles, Cloverfield, Sunshine

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photo © Picturehouse.