[REC]

[REC] tells the story of Ángela (Manuela Velasco) who is filming a "day in the life of" documentary about the Madrid fire department. During the night, the firemen are called out to an incident in an apartment block where an elderly woman is locked in her room. On breaking into the room they are attacked by the crazed old woman who bites one of the policemen. The woman is shot in the struggle and they try to take their injured colleague to help. However, help is not forthcoming as they find they have been sealed in the building and quarantined. Why have the government sealed them in? Will they be able to help their colleague? And is the old lady really as dead as she seems... The film builds on this premise and the tension gradually rises to a truly terrifying climax. The cast put in some great performances with Manuela Velasco in particular standing out.

Although largely missed at the UK box office, [REC] has been acclaimed by critics and has won a number of awards. Due to this success, a sequel and an American remake have already been announced. Along with The Orphanage, [REC] is easily the scariest film being shown this term, so if this appeals, then this is definitely the film for you.

George Marshall