Winter Visitor (Visitante de Invierno) is a 2008 Argentine, Spanish film, written and directed by Sergio Esquenazi. It is probably the most important Argentine horror film of the last 30 years, since it was the first Argentine horror film in two decades to be supported by INCAA (National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts) and therefore the first Argentine horror film to premiere in the country in 20 years, which opened the doors to directors and producers of the genre which up to that time were condemned to an under circuit.

Plot

A 20 years old Ariel Lambert, after a suicide attempt, is sent with her mother to a small summer town in the state of Buenos Aires. Ariel arrives in winter, a time of the year in which the village is almost deserted. From his room and with the help of a telescope, Ariel witness a man taking children into his house, children that will not ever come out again. Ariel tries to call the police, but given his precarious mental state, they will not take him seriously. Determined to prove what he saw is true, he set forth in search for the evidence required to prove that what he saw is not only part of his imagination but a horrible truth.

Cast

Background

Director Sergio Esquenazi has said in media interviews that the story is based on his travels in winter to Pinamar. Forest surrounded by fog and a town with deserted streets and houses were the source his inspiration.

Filming location

The film was shot entirely in Pinamar, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

Distribution

The film was first featured at the Fantasporto International Film Festival. It opened in Argentina in March 2008.

The film was also shown at various film festivals, including: the Toronto International Film Festival; the New York Film Festival and the Havana Film Festival, Cuba.

In the United States, it was presented at the New York Film Festival on October 2, 2008. It also opened in Los Angeles on October 12, 2008.

Critical reception

Ryan Doom (The Joble Movie Network) Winter Visitor is an effective, intelligent, and superbly written movie that deserves viewership worldwide. It's a good kick in the ass for horror, showing you don't have to drop the intelligence in order to create something scary. (www.joblo.com)

Catalina Adlugi Channel 13 (Argentina) (National Television) A great idea and a great achievement. A valuable film.

Esteban Castromán from Haciendo Cine (Film Magazine) (4 Starts ****) ¨Somebody's Watching¨ (1988) directed by Horacio Maldonado and Gustavo Cova, was the last Argentine horror film released in theaters in Argentina. Winter Visitor break this streak of 20 years and is probably responsible for attracting public attention. And Winter Visitor does through a careful reading of the best horror film from North American. (www.haciendocine.com)

Diego Trerotola from El Amante (Film Magazine) said: Winter Visitor weaves between moody thriller and Gore, between suspense and graphic violence. The film does not delights with any of these topics. Moving skillfully between the two, the film manages to concentrate an essence of horror is worth developing. We hope that this is the beginning of horror genre in Argentina. (www.elamantecine.com)

Hugo Zapata (Cinesargentinos) I can write a long list mentioning Hollywood horror films and compare to Winter Visitor, the Argentine film wins.

Enrique Martínez Terrorifilo (Uruguay)) said: "Winter Visitor" is a horror film made in Argentina that caused a great impression on the author of these lines. The reasons for such a good concept is due to the suspense and tension masterfully created and also the sensitivity the director takes in developing the characters. (www.terrorifilo.com)

Jorge Carnevale Noticias (Magazine) (4 stars ****) Argentine cinema face horror genre with the best grades. The film, shot in a misty-blue tone becomes more and more disturbing. Don't miss it.

External links

• [Variety]
• [Diario Popular
• [Criticas CYK Films webpage]
• [Primordiales]
• [Cinevivo]
• [Quinta Dimension]
• [Terrorifilo
• [Ryan Doom (The Joblo Movie Network)