New Movies: Lúgubre (2024) by Jerzain Ortega
- dailyentertainment95
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
"Lúgubre (2024)": A Teenager's Trauma Becomes a Living Nightmare
Description: Jerzain Ortega's "Lúgubre (2024)" is a Mexican psychological thriller and drama that delves into the harrowing experience of a teenager haunted by a traumatic past. The film blurs the lines between psychological distress and a terrifying reality as her anxiety and perceived guilt manifest in terrifying ways, suggesting a vengeful force may be closing in.
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/lugubre (US), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/lugubre (UK)
Detailed Summary: The film centers on a teenager overwhelmed by stress and anxiety stemming from a traumatic event. She is tormented by the belief that she killed her stepfather in an act of self-defense after he attempted to rape her. This immense psychological burden causes her anxiety to spiral, leading to vivid and disturbing hallucinations of her stepfather, seemingly appearing everywhere she goes. However, as her mental state deteriorates, she begins to suspect that these aren't mere figments of her imagination. The film builds suspense as the terrifying possibility emerges that the hallucination is real, and her stepfather, or something embodying his vengeful spirit, is actively seeking retribution. "Lúgubre" (meaning "Lugubrious" or "Mournful") is described as a psychological drama and thriller that explores the profound impact of trauma and the terrifying space where guilt, memory, and a horrifying reality converge.
Plot Summary:
A teenager is suffering from severe stress and anxiety related to a past trauma.
She believes she killed her stepfather during an attempted sexual assault.
Her anxiety causes her to hallucinate her stepfather.
The hallucinations become increasingly real, suggesting her stepfather is alive or a vengeful entity.
The film follows her terrifying experience as she is hunted.
The plot is a psychological thriller centered on trauma, guilt, and the horror of a past event returning to haunt the protagonist.
Director's Vision: Jerzain Ortega served as the director, writer, cinematographer, editor, and a producer on "Lúgubre," indicating a strong authorial control over the project. His previous work, including the feature "Telephone (2023)" which blended comedy, mystery, and thriller with horror elements, suggests an interest in genre bending and exploring unsettling narratives. For "Lúgubre," the focus appears to be on the psychological impact of trauma and the manifestation of fear and guilt. By potentially blurring the lines between hallucination and reality, Ortega likely aims to create a disorienting and terrifying experience for the audience, mirroring the protagonist's fractured mental state. The title itself sets a somber and dark tone, hinting at the film's exploration of mournful and potentially grim themes.
Themes:
Trauma and its Psychological Impact: The film directly addresses the lasting effects of a traumatic experience, specifically sexual assault.
Anxiety and Guilt: The protagonist's overwhelming stress and belief in her culpability are central to the narrative.
Hallucination vs. Reality: A key element of the thriller is the ambiguity between what is real and what is a product of the protagonist's mind.
Revenge: The stepfather's potential return for revenge drives the horror aspect of the plot.
Psychological Horror: The film utilizes psychological distress and the blurring of perception to create fear and suspense.
Memory and Repression: The protagonist's recall of the traumatic event and its impact on her present are explored.
Key Success Factors:
Intriguing and Disturbing Premise: The film's core concept of a traumatic past manifesting as a present threat is compelling.
Focus on Psychological Horror: The emphasis on the protagonist's mental state offers a potentially intense and unsettling viewing experience.
Director's Multifaceted Role: Jerzain Ortega's control over various aspects of production could lead to a cohesive artistic vision.
Addressing Sensitive Themes: The film tackles difficult but important issues of trauma and its consequences.
Festival Screening: Being shown at Macabro Horror Film Festival provides exposure within the genre community.
Summary Short: Jerzain Ortega's Mexican psychological thriller "Lúgubre (2024)" follows a teenager tormented by the belief she killed her stepfather after an attempted rape, whose anxiety causes terrifying hallucinations that may be real as he seeks revenge. It screened at Macabro Horror Film Festival and was released in Mexico on August 23, 2024.
Awards and Nominations: As of May 17, 2025, specific awards or nominations for "Lúgubre (2024)" are not widely reported in the available search results. The film was an official selection and screened at the Macabro: International Horror Film Festival of Mexico City in August 2024, which serves as a significant recognition within the horror film circuit.
Production: "Lúgubre (2024)" is a Mexican production. Jerzain Ortega held multiple roles in the film's creation, including director, writer, cinematographer, editor, and producer. The production company is listed as Strange.Hair. Several cast members (Mariana Guerrero, Oswaldo Rada, Jimena Peón) are also credited as executive producers, alongside Pablo Emiliano Ph and Alexa Livier, suggesting a collaborative or independent production model. The cast includes Jimena Peón, Oswaldo Rada, Mariana Guerrero, Frida Piña, and Miguel Mariscal, with Ana Monterrubio also listed in some cast lists. The film has a runtime of 80 minutes and was shot in Spanish with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Production Companies:
Strange.Hair (Mexico)
Executive Producers with potential production involvement include Mariana Guerrero, Oswaldo Rada, Jimena Peón, Pablo Emiliano Ph, and Alexa Livier.
Theatrical Release: "Lúgubre (2024)" had a theatrical release in Mexico on August 23, 2024. It also screened as part of the program at the Macabro: International Horror Film Festival of Mexico City in August 2024.
Why to Recommend This Movie:
Intense Psychological Thriller: If you enjoy films that delve into the complexities of the human mind and trauma.
Exploration of Difficult Themes: The film tackles sensitive issues with a horror and drama lens.
Director with a Unique Vision: Jerzain Ortega's multi-role involvement suggests a strong artistic control.
Mexican Genre Cinema: Discover a horror/thriller from Mexico.
Festival Selection: Being part of the Macabro Film Festival highlights its appeal within the horror community.
Why to Watch Movie:
Interested in Films About Trauma and its Effects: Gain insight into the psychological impact of a traumatic experience.
For Psychological Horror that Blurs Reality: If you enjoy films that keep you guessing about what is real.
Support Independent and International Genre Films: Discover a film outside of mainstream productions.
Curious About Jerzain Ortega's Work: Explore the feature film from a director with a background in genre blending.
If You Are a Fan of Dark and Somber Stories: The title and premise suggest a grim and intense viewing experience.
What Movie Trend film is Following: Psychological Horror / Trauma Narratives in Genre Film / Independent Genre Cinema: The film aligns with the trend of horror films that focus on psychological distress and trauma as sources of fear. It also fits within the broader trend of independent filmmakers creating genre films that explore complex themes.
What Big Social Trend is Following: Increasing Awareness and Discussion Around Trauma and Mental Health: The film's focus on a teenager grappling with the psychological aftermath of a traumatic event resonates with the growing societal awareness and open discussion surrounding mental health issues and the long-term impact of trauma. It contributes to the ongoing conversation about the importance of acknowledging and understanding these struggles.
Final Verdict: "Lúgubre (2024)" is a compelling Mexican psychological thriller that promises an intense and unsettling exploration of trauma and its horrifying consequences. Jerzain Ortega, in his multifaceted role as director, writer, and more, appears to have crafted a film that delves into the protagonist's fractured mental state, blurring the lines between psychological distress and a terrifying reality. The film's focus on themes of anxiety, guilt, hallucination, and revenge, rooted in a traumatic event, offers a dark and thought-provoking narrative. While wider critical reception and box office data are limited at this early stage, its screening at the Macabro Horror Film Festival and theatrical release in Mexico indicate its presence within the genre landscape. For viewers interested in challenging psychological horror and independent international cinema that tackles difficult themes, "Lúgubre" is a film worth seeking out.
Recommendations for Film Makers:
Explore the Psychological Dimensions of Horror: The film demonstrates the power of focusing on a character's mental state to create fear.
Don't Shy Away from Difficult Subject Matter: Tackling sensitive themes like trauma within a genre framework can be impactful.
Consider Taking on Multiple Roles in Independent Productions: For independent filmmakers, wearing multiple hats can be a way to maintain artistic control and bring a singular vision to the screen.
Utilize Atmosphere and Visuals to Enhance Psychological Themes: Cinematography and visual style can play a crucial role in conveying a character's state of mind and blurring reality.
Recommendations for Movie Industry:
Support Independent Genre Cinema: Recognize the value and potential of horror, thriller, and other genre films created outside of major studio systems.
Provide Platforms for International Genre Films: Help bring films like "Lúgubre" to wider audiences beyond their country of origin.
Promote Films That Address Mental Health and Trauma with Sensitivity: Encourage films that explore these important issues thoughtfully within various genres.
Recognize the Talent of Filmmakers with Multifaceted Skills: Acknowledge directors who demonstrate proficiency across multiple aspects of film production.
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