Skull: The Mask is a 2020 Brazilian horror film about an ancient mask that possesses a body in modern times initiating a blood bath.
Written and directed by Armando Fonseca and Kapel Furman (short: The Last Grave; Uptake Fear), the movie stars Natallia Rodrigues, Wilton Andrade, Rurik Jr. and Ivo Müller. Also known as Skull and originally titled Skull: A Máscara de Anhangá
Plot:
In 1944, an artefact is used in a military experiment. The artefact is the Mask of Anhangá, the executioner of Tahawantinsupay, a Pre-Colombian God. The experience fails.
In the present day, the Mask of Anhangá arrives in São Paulo, Brazil. The Mask possesses a body and starts to commit vicious sacrifices as vengeance for the incarnation of its God, initiating a bloodbath. Policewoman Beatriz Obdias is in charge of the crimes, which challenge her beliefs…
Reviews:
“Whenever the attacks come, they don’t hold back on blood and guts, yet you also marvel at how much fun the movie is having with them. Skull – The Mask is a treat for fans of horror that isn’t afraid to put the pedal to the floor. It does that from the start and doesn’t let up.” The Aisle Seat
” …the sequences featuring the mask are genuinely fun to behold. Its introductory sequence is playfully shot from a first-person perspective, and the practical effects employed to show it attacking its first victims are genuinely creative. But these moments of invention are just too few and far between; there’s perhaps 15-or-so minutes of quality gory action throughout, drowned beneath layers of procedural languor.” Flickering Myth
“Among the film’s many thrilling set pieces are a slaughter at a dance party and a showdown with a man of the cloth. Armando Fonseca and Kapel Furman cowrote and codirected, and they invest Skull with a frenetic energy, a dash of old-school grindhouse, a pinch of dark humor, and gallons of the red stuff.” Horror Fuel
“There’s a 1970s feel and enough wit, creativity and ambition on display here (the depiction of the evil god sitting on his throne in the depths of the void of space is a delicious example of low budget cosmic horror) that this feels like a Brazilian Larry Cohen film, and that’s praise indeed.” House of Mortal Cinema
“Basically, Skull is about as micro as a budget can get. However, its admirable energy level, intriguing use of Pre-Columbian lore, and gleefully gory practical effects make it a highly watchable overachiever. It is important to emphasize the latter because Furman & Fonseca have blood splattering and body parts flying everywhere…” J.B. Spins
“If you’re looking for great practical gore effects then Skull: The Mask is bound to deliver what you need. Armando Fonseca and Kapel Furman have created a fun mythology surrounding their spiritual killer and made him an absolute beast. Their work behind and with the camera shows a sincere attempt to take their movie to a level higher than just the average killer rampage flick.” Screen Anarchy
“An element of satire runs throughout, the horror genre used to expose the worst elements of contemporary Brazilian culture. With the current president waging war on Brazil’s indigenous population, Skull: The Mask, seems to take a few sly digs at the ignorance of European Brazilians.” Sordid Cinema
“Skull: The Mask isn’t a perfect movie, but the rough edges are what makes its magic so potent. It takes all of the unkillable killer of slasher flicks, the chest-bursting sequences from the Alien franchise, the drama of professional wrestling, and a hefty helping of camp and mixes them all into one amazing package.” Wicked Horror
Trailer:
Release:
Skull: The Mask premiered at the virtual Chattanooga Film Festival in May 2020.
Cast and characters:
Natallia Rodrigues … Beatriz Obdias; Wilton Andrade … Manco Ramirez Rurik Jr. … Skull; Ivo Müller … Tack Waelder; Ricardo Gelli … Padre Vasco Magno; Guta Ruiz … Galvani Volta; Gilda Nomacce … Delegada Bruna Tristão; Tristan Aronovich … Nobuto; Eduardo Semerjian … Herr Schädel; David Wendefilm … Günther Jena; Greta Antoine … Lilah; Carolina Cardinale … News Anchor Deborah Rilter; Thiago Stechinni; Wagner D’Ávilla
