Disappear Completely is a 2022 Mexican supernatural horror film about an ambitious and insensitive tabloid crime photographer who falls victim to a mysterious illness.
Directed and co-produced by Luis Javier Henaine from a screenplay co-written with Ricardo Aguado-Fentanes. Also produced by Pablo Zimbrón Alva and Gerardo Gatica González.
The Moonlight Pictures-Panorama Global-Varios Lobos production stars Harold Torres, Tete Espinoza, Fermín Martínez, Vicky Araico, Norma Reyna, Eligio Meléndez and José Manuel Poncelis.
Reviews:
“Part investigative thriller, part chilling horror film, Disappear Completely is brilliantly directed and benefits from superb cinematography by Glauco Bermudez. It’s full of little hints and hidden details which will allow you to explore its mysteries at your own pace. With an appeal which will reach far beyond genre fans, it’s an accomplished piece of work.” ★★★★½ Eye for Film
“Henaine’s film, through Santiago’s predicament, questions the morality of making art out of the suffering of others, with the focus squarely on those who do so with no consideration for the victims whatsoever and solely profit in mind. All the same, the film’s story confronts the audience of true crime just as much as the makers.” ★★★★½ Father Son Holy Gore
“I’m especially a fan of how we’re taken into the world of Santiago. As he loses his hearing, we begin to hear everything in the same muted way he does. And when his sight begins to fail, the screen starts to fade. It’s a simple yet extremely effective way to allow us into the tragedy he’s living through. When Santiago is ultimately faced with a terrible decision, he needs to make a terrible choice: Will he save himself at any cost?” ★★★★ Heaven of Horror
“A moody, brooding film rich in chilling atmosphere, Disappear Completely uses thriller and film noir elements along with occult horror. The result is an unnerving fear-fare feature that explores moral choices and the consequences of such when the main character has brought a curse upon himself as a result of the choices he has made.” Horror Fuel
“Henaine conclusively proves atmosphere and the power of suggestion are much more important than jump scares or constant carnage in creating a memorable horror film. It also helps that cinematographer Glauco Bermudez can make anything he frames look creepy. Whether it is an accurate representation of witchcraft or not, Henaine and co-screenwriter Ricardo Aguado-Fentanes truthfully depict the corruption of modern journalism and politics.” J.B. Spins
“With Disappear Completely, Henaine criticizes real-world tabloid photographers who, like Santiago, invade people’s privacy. He directs his contempt toward journalism that has nurtured sensationalism over decency. Henaine thinks the world will be better if people like Santiago disappear completely. The director, thankfully, doesn’t dispense his message through lectures or ponderous moralizing.” 10 out of 10, Midgard Times
” … manages to be an unnerving film and like Evil Eye deserves recognition as another solid tale of witchcraft in modern day Mexico. It also has something to say about the way exposure to the more sensational media outlets, tabloid newspapers, social media, etc, can desensitize people, which is unnerving in its own right.” ★★★½ Voices from the Balcony
Background:
Luis Javier Henaine has commented: “Desaparecer por Completo is my third film, switching from comedy to explore new territory with a supernatural thriller that delves into two very important aspects of Mexican culture – nota roja (tabloid crime journalism) and Brujeria (witchcraft) – both of which are a reflection of my country by way of our superstitions and the lack of sensitivity that we’ve become used to in our daily lives. Though ultimately, the film is a very intimate and personal drama about a photographer with artistic ambitions, who struggles to find a balance between his career and his marriage, while taking “life” for granted.”
Release:
In Mexico, Desaparecer por Completo was released in cinemas on February 29, 2024. The movie is now available to stream on Netflix.
Trailer:
Cast and characters:
Harold Torres … Santiago; Tete Espinoza … Marcela; Fermín Martínez … Catoche; Vicky Araico … Lupe; Norma Reyna … Leonor Romero; Eligio Meléndez … Elías; José Manuel Poncelis … Chamán; Waldo Facco … Chofer Senadora; Luis Arrieta … Paramédico; Carolina Contreras … Neuróloga; Juan Sahagun … Senador
Technical specs:
1 hour 46 minutes
Aspect ratio: 3:2
