Crazy Old Lady Review: Carmen Maura Excels as a Homicidal Pensioner
Mistaken identity, dementia, family dysfunction, and a murky past entwine in this Spanish horror film, which features a spritely octogenarian with a penchant for torture. Understandably, we often view elderly women as among the most vulnerable members of society, making them excellent nemeses in horror films because few suspect that an old dear could inflict much harm.
Alicia's Dark Secrets and Violent Streak
Unless, that is, she possesses a fire poker, a house full of useful clutter, dementia, and a violent streak, as is the case with Alicia, portrayed by the wonderful Carmen Maura. Maura, once the lead in Pedro Almodóvar's Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, now 80 years old and still spry as a whippet, clearly embraces movie mischief. She imbues Alicia with a dirty glint in her eye as she confuses her daughter's ex-boyfriend Pedro, played by Daniel Hendler, with her late husband Cesar.
Cesar apparently introduced Alicia to some BDSM fun and games in their youth and may have assisted her in covering up a murder or two. However, it's challenging to discern truth from falsehood given Alicia's murky memory, leaving viewers to question her recollections.
Pedro's Unfortunate Arrival and Grisly Ordeal
On a dark and stormy night, Pedro arrives at the insistence of his ex Laura to check on Alicia in the decrepit mansion where she lives alone. Laura is on a road trip with her young daughter but senses that something is amiss, especially since Alicia herself answered the phone when Laura called Alicia's carer. Pedro's unfortunate resemblance to Cesar results in him being lashed to an armchair with chains and duct tape while Alicia quizzes him on their history, leading to gory and intense outcomes.
Martín Mauregui's Directorial Skill and Dark Comedy
Argentinian director Martín Mauregui, better known for his screenwriting work, handles this brisk chamber piece with considerable skill. While it's unclear how much producer JA Bayona, a seasoned director of thrillers and horror such as The Orphanage and A Monster Calls, contributed to the film's polished dark comedy of family dysfunction, the result is a compelling watch. The film offers a chance to appreciate Carmen Maura's impeccable timing and charismatic screen presence, making it a standout performance in her illustrious career.
Though not a deeply profound work, Crazy Old Lady is relentlessly fun for those who are not squeamish, though viewers should note it includes scenes that may be unsettling, such as animals being killed in the opening minutes. The film blends horror with dark humour, creating a unique and engaging cinematic experience.
Crazy Old Lady is available on Shudder and AMC+ from 27 February, offering audiences a thrilling and darkly comedic exploration of aging, memory, and familial secrets.
