The Wailing (2024 film)

The Wailing (Spanish: *El llanto*) is a 2024 psychological horror film directed by Pedro Martín-Calero, who co-wrote the screenplay with Isabel Peña. The cast includes Ester Expósito, Mathilde Ollivier, and Malena Villa. A Spanish-Argentine-French co-production, the movie premiered at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival, where Martín-Calero won the Silver Shell for Best Director.

The story follows Andrea, who is haunted by an unseen entity. Two decades earlier, the same thing happened to Marie.

Martín-Calero and Peña wrote the script, aiming to connect the film with the literature of Mariana Enríquez. The film, Martín-Calero’s debut feature, was produced by Caballo Films, Setembro Cine, Tandem Films, Tarea Fina, Noodles Productions, and El llanto AIE, with support from RTVE, Amazon Prime Video, and funding from ICAA, the Madrid regional government, and the Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Filming began in mid-February 2023.

The Wailing premiered in competition at the San Sebastián International Film Festival on 25 September 2024. It also screened at the Sitges, BFI London, Valladolid, and Tokyo film festivals. Universal Pictures International Spain released it theatrically in Spain on 25 October 2024. Digicine distributed it in Argentina from 28 November 2024, and Paname Distribution opened it in France on 21 May 2025 under the title *Les Maudites*. Film Movement acquired U.S. distribution rights.

On Rotten Tomatoes, 75% of 24 critics gave positive reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. Jonathan Romney of *ScreenDaily* noted that “a strong feminist angle gives the film a powerful currency” and that “the three young leads are compelling in different ways.” Raquel Hernández Luján of *HobbyConsolas* rated it 60 points (‘acceptable’), praising the performances, atmosphere, and direction but criticizing the screenplay for being unclear about its direction and conclusion. Andrea G. Bermejo of *Cinemanía* gave it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it “elevated horror” reminiscent of *It Follows* with a thesis about violence against women. Fausto Fernández of *Fotogramas* rated it 3 out of 5 stars, praising the lead actresses but noting the film struggles to engage the viewer early on. Desirée de Fez of *El Periódico de Catalunya* gave it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it unusual in ambition and structure. Paula Vázquez Prieto of *La Nación* gave it a ‘good’ rating,