A Haunting and Atmospheric Slow Burn: 4 out of 5 ⭐️
Written by BFF 2020 Ambassador, Bec Fordyce
From the moment Sanzaru begins, director, Xia Magnus creates an unshakable sense of dread. The story follows Filipina healthcare worker, Evelyn (Aina Dunlao), who takes care of her ailing employer, Dena (played beautifully by Jayne Taini) in an isolated Texas homestead.
As Dena succumbs to her dementia, Evelyn starts to notice things about the house that don’t seem right, especially, at night. Is she just imagining things - or is it something more sinister? As Evelyn starts to interact more with the family members, it is clear that each family member harbors trauma and dark secrets.
What I love about the film is the fusion of an Eastern ghost story with a gothic horror. Magnus has done an incredible job of creating an eerie atmosphere. Special mention also goes to Mark Khalife for his beautiful cinematography. The film can sometimes be a little too slow with its pacing, but over all this is a good film with excellent production value.
“Sanzaru” is an intelligent ghost story that never resorts to jump-scare tactics. Instead, it is a slow burn, that leaves you with an unshakable sense of dread, right until the end credits.