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'Julia's Eyes' review

A modest but effective thriller from producer Guillermo del Toro

By Geoff Berkshire

Metromix
August 24, 2011

Critic's Rating:

Belén Rueda (Credit: IFC)

Julia's Eyes

Running time:: 112 minutes

Cast:

Belén Rueda -

Julia/Sara

Lluís Homar -

Isaac

Pablo Derqui -

Iván

Francesc Orella -

Inspector Dimas

Joan Dalmau -

Crespulo

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Director:: Guillem Morales

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["Julia's Eyes" premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. The following is an excerpt from Metromix's coverage of the festival.]

Atmospheric horror unfolds in "Julia's Eyes," which reunites producer Guillermo del Toro with the star of "The Orphanage," Belén Rueda. Del Toro continues to champion up and coming filmmakers, in this case young Spanish director Guillem Morales.

Morales delivers a tribute to the Italian genre of giallo, with the story of a woman investigating the death of her sister. Both suffered from the same degenerative eye disorder, and the fear of losing one's vision is milked for maximum effect here.

Even with a strong star turn from Rueda, enjoying the film may hinge on an appreciation or at least understanding of giallo—those expecting another "Orphanage" or something similar to del Toro's work could be disappointed at the lack of supernatural or fantasy elements. Instead, "Eyes" is all about mystery and suspense, slowly laying the foundation for an extremely tense final act.

["Julia's Eyes" is available through “IFC Midnight,” a video on demand service from select cable providers.]

Follow Metromix's Geoff Berkshire on Twitter: @geoffberkshire