"The Communion Girl" is a Spanish horror film directed by Víctor García, released in 2021. The movie blends supernatural elements with psychological tension to create a chilling narrative. Here’s a detailed description of the film:


Plot Overview


Setting and Introduction:

The film is set in a small Spanish village in 1987. The story revolves around a 10-year-old girl named Rocío (played by newcomer Ana Fernández), who is about to undergo her first Holy Communion. The event, a significant milestone in the Catholic tradition, is depicted as a source of great anticipation and excitement in the community.


Initial Conflict:

As the date of her Communion approaches, Rocío begins to experience disturbing visions and encounters with supernatural entities. Her family, particularly her mother Laura (played by Aitana Sánchez-Gijón) and her father Javier (played by Ricardo Gómez), are initially dismissive of these occurrences, attributing them to Rocío's anxiety about the big day. Laura, who is deeply involved in the preparations, is consumed with ensuring everything is perfect for the occasion, while Javier is more focused on the family’s day-to-day life.


The Supernatural Threat:

The supernatural events escalate, leading to a series of terrifying incidents. Rocío sees ghostly figures and has unsettling dreams that hint at a dark presence in their home. The family starts to notice strange phenomena—items moving on their own, eerie noises, and a general feeling of unease that pervades their home.


The Church’s Involvement:

Concerned about the intensity of the phenomena, Laura turns to the local priest, Father Manuel (played by Fernando Cayo). Father Manuel is skeptical at first but becomes more concerned as he witnesses some of the unexplained occurrences. He begins to investigate the history of the village and the church, uncovering a dark and tragic past connected to the Communion ritual.


Revelations and Climax:

As the Communion day approaches, Rocío’s visions become more intense, and she begins to communicate with a malevolent spirit that seems to be targeting her specifically. The film delves into themes of guilt and redemption as it is revealed that the village has a hidden history of a tragic event linked to a failed exorcism or a sacrificial ritual gone wrong.


Father Manuel, along with a local historian, uncovers that the spirit haunting Rocío is that of a young girl who was wrongfully accused of witchcraft and died in a ritualistic manner centuries ago. This revelation ties into the present-day events, suggesting that Rocío’s Communion is somehow connected to appeasing or confronting the spirit’s anger.


Resolution:

In the climactic scenes, the tension reaches its peak as the family, now fully aware of the danger they are in, confronts the malevolent spirit. The final confrontation involves a desperate attempt to perform a ritual to free the spirit or placate it. Rocío, with the help of her family and Father Manuel, faces the spirit in a harrowing confrontation.


The film concludes with a resolution that blends both horror and emotional depth. The spirit’s fate is resolved, but not without a significant cost. The family is left to deal with the aftermath of their ordeal, reflecting on the events and their impact on their lives. Rocío’s Communion, meant to be a joyous occasion, becomes a haunting memory that shapes their future.


Themes and Style


Themes:

"The Communion Girl" explores themes of innocence, the clash between faith and superstition, and the impact of historical sins on the present. The film uses the backdrop of a religious ritual to delve into the nature of evil and the consequences of unresolved trauma.


Style:

The film combines elements of traditional ghost stories with a modern psychological edge. Its atmospheric setting, coupled with a haunting score and effective use of visual effects, creates a palpable sense of dread. The cinematography emphasizes the contrast between the outward normalcy of the village and the underlying horror, enhancing the film's unsettling mood.



Character Development:

Characters in "The Communion Girl" are well-developed, with particular attention given to Rocío’s psychological state as she grapples with the supernatural forces around her. The film delves into the dynamics of the family and their responses to the growing terror, providing depth to their motivations and actions.


Critical Reception:

The film received praise for its atmospheric tension and effective use of horror tropes. Critics highlighted its strong performances, particularly by Ana Fernández as Rocío and the supporting cast. The blending of psychological and supernatural horror elements was noted for creating a compelling and eerie narrative.


Conclusion



"The Communion Girl" is a gripping horror film that combines supernatural elements with psychological depth, set against the backdrop of a religious ceremony. Its exploration of themes like innocence, faith, and historical guilt adds layers to the traditional ghost story, making it a memorable entry in the genre. The film's tension, character development, and atmospheric style contribute to its effectiveness as a chilling and thought-provoking piece of cinema.