Reviews: 32 Malasana Street (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Mystery
Subgenres: Haunted House, Supernatural, Twisted Mystery, Dysfunctional Family, Haunted House - Cursed, Suburbs
HellHorror’s review of 32 Malasana Street (2020) breaks down the plot, scares, cast performances, and its lasting impact on the horror genre.
Set in 1976 Madrid, Malasaña 32 tells the story of the Olmedo family, who move into a new apartment in the Malasaña neighborhood, hoping for a fresh start. However, they soon discover that something sinister lurks within the walls of their new home.
Malasaña 32 (2020) – A Spanish Haunted House Horror That Fails to Stand Out
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
What begins as a traditional haunted house tale gradually unfolds into a mystery tied to the apartment’s dark past. The film explores themes of isolation, family struggles, and the hidden horrors of history, drawing inspiration from real-life urban legends and supernatural folklore.
The family dynamic is well-established, making it easy to empathize with their financial struggles and hopes for a better future. However, character development takes a backseat to horror tropes, leaving many of them feeling underdeveloped and reactive rather than proactive.
Acting and Cinematography
The performances are solid, if not particularly groundbreaking.
- Begoña Vargas (Amparo) delivers the film’s strongest performance, portraying a determined young woman trying to uncover the mystery behind the hauntings.
- Iván Marcos and Bea Segura play the parents, but their roles feel underwritten, making them less compelling than they should be.
- The film’s real strength lies in its cinematography, capturing the eerie, vintage atmosphere of 1970s Madrid with dim lighting and unsettling framing.
The camera work enhances the suspense, with long, creeping shots that build tension effectively. The use of shadows, vintage interiors, and muted colors creates a hauntingly immersive environment, helping to elevate an otherwise predictable narrative.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Director Albert Pintó successfully creates a chilling atmosphere, but relies too heavily on clichés.
Strengths:
- Strong Cinematic Atmosphere – The setting and production design immerse viewers in a ghostly, oppressive world.
- Effective Jump Scares – While not particularly original, some scares are well-executed, creating genuine moments of tension.
- Interesting Premise – The story’s historical inspiration adds an extra layer of intrigue, even if it’s not fully explored.
Weaknesses:
- Overuse of Horror Tropes – The film borrows heavily from classic haunted house films, making many scares predictable.
- Weak Character Development – The family members feel more like victims than active participants, leaving emotional stakes lacking.
- Pacing Issues – The first half builds suspense well, but the final act feels rushed, with revelations that don’t fully pay off.
- Unoriginal Execution – Malasaña 32feels too similar to other haunted house films, without offering anything truly new.
Final Verdict & Score: 6/10
While Malasaña 32 delivers solid scares and strong cinematography, it fails to break new ground in the haunted house genre. Its atmospheric setting and eerie visuals are its greatest strengths, but predictable horror beats and underdeveloped characters hold it back.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- 32 Malasana Street Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 5.32/10
- IMDB: 5.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 4.3/10
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