Synopsis
Lucio A. Rojas wrote and directed Trauma in 2017, which is an indigenous horror movie from Chile. Unlike typical horror films that make use of the supernatural or jumpscares, Trauma draws its horror from Chile’s political history and the aftermath effects of violence on society, basing it in stark reality. It tells a deeply disturbing tale of historical nightmares fused with contemporary horror, using the genre to underscore sociopolitical and psychological themes.
The film opens with a flashback to 1978, at the height of Augusto Pinochet’s military rule in Chile. A government agent, within the context of the regime’s brutal and violent enforcement, forces his young son Juan to watch as he unjustly maims his mother. This life-shattering event irremediably sculpts Juan’s psyche, setting him on an unending path of emotional and physical self-destruction. His mind becomes a broken mirror that contains a reflection of a cruel world that has shaped him.
It’s now 2011 and the focus is on four women: Andrea, her younger sister Camila, their cousin Magdalena, and Camila’s partner Julia. The women head to a distant region in Chile for what they expect will be a peaceful and fun weekend. Little do they know that the region they are heading to is home to a past that lies dormant but not forgotten. Their vacation takes a horrific turn when Juan, a psychotically violent man, along with his son Mario, savage them mentally through unrelenting physical violence. The women are left tortured, traumatized, and having to cope with unimaginable horrors.
In fact, the most shocking aspect of the story is not the violence but rather the violence’s backstory. Juan is not a sadistic individual; he is an unrelenting beast sculpted by the suffocating cradle of brutality known as Chile’s darkest times. Mario, Juan’s son, secluded from society, represents not only the culmination of evil but also the deep-rooted violence of silence, secrecy, and unbroken lineage of trauma.
Local authorities express apathy and collude to neglect the women’s pleas for help. There is no turning back – Juan seems to be unstoppable, truly embodying evil. Having no other alternatives, the women unite in an attempt to protect themselves. As they plan their counteroffensive, the film transforms from pure horror into a visceral revenge film, leading to a climactic bloody showdown in which all – the transgression as well as the aggrieved – must confront the haunting realities of what lies beneath.
Cast and Crew
Lucio A. Rojas is known to be focused on social and political issues that are chronicled through horrors. He seeks to exploit the darker side of violence in his work and approach by using Trauma, alongside the psychological implications brought about due to violence during the reign of dictatorship. The director also blends elements of exploitation horror and historical allegory, which results in an exploitation but deeply controversial work.
Main Cast:
Andrea is portrayed by Catalina Martin – The eldest of the group, Andrea emerges as a natural leader in the face of danger. Along with Andre, fall Martin victim to the flimsy exploitation narrative which takes them from hopeful travelers to savage survivors.
Macarena Carrere as Camila – Andrea’s sister, Camila is strong but, at the same time, sensitive. Her bond with Julia gives a new dimension in the film, showcasing the coexistence of love and vulnerability even in the midst of turmoil.
Dominga Bofill as Magdalena – The cousin who embodies a tough exterior but is profoundly affected by the events. She represents the underlying emotional anguish the trauma leaves behind.
Ximena del Solar as Julia – Camila’s partner who demonstrates extraordinary kindness and courage amid the most savage scenes of the film.
Daniel Antivilo as Juan – The character who embodies a deeply disturbing reality of a man traumatized by childhood abuse and political violence. Antivilo’s performance is terrifyingly cold and emotionally complex.
Felipe Ríos as Mario – The son, silent and brainwashed, who dutifully follows his father’s orders. He epitomizes how hatred and fear are passed down from one generation to another.
Production Team:
Using a modest budget, a minimalistic team was put together that aimed to produce a raw film devoid of staged viewing experiences. The rural landscapes of Chile are captured in a chilling cinematic style by Sebastián Ballek, whose cinematography starkly contrasts with the raw horror that unfolds within the characters. Ignacio Redard’s score further enhances the oppressive atmosphere, creating a haunting backdrop for the film.
Themes and Symbolism
Trauma is not only the story of corporeal violence, but encompasses violence in an emotional and psychological scope on descendants. The film, in its core, serves as a metaphor for Chile’s historical silence after the atrocities commited during the dictatorship era. Juan is not only a villain, he is a symbol of a country’s past that has not been dealt with.
The contrast of suffering alongside women’s ultimate agency is depicted in the narrative. The film acknowledges their victimhood but also presents them as warriors who, deserted by the system, reclaim their power. The story highlights that, survival is an act of physical and emotional reality, and it can only commence when the truth is uncovered.
The rural backdrop gives the film an additional dimension. Calm, quiet and in isolation, the countryside is a literal and metaphorical place where secrets can be concealed. However, Trauma firmly asserts that those concealed secrets will eventually come defecting resolution.
IMDb Ratings and Reception
Trauma has received a 5.0/10 mixed rating on IMDb. As with many other cinematic works, Trauma lacks universal appreciation. The audience appears to sharply divide between those who view the film as a bold and essential political statement and those who think it is exploitative to the point of being excessively violent.
Praise has been given for its balance on complex themes and the leading actor’s performances. Other critics feel that the graphic depictions of violence can detract from more important underlying themes. One aspect that is undeniable, however, is the emotional turmoil the film puts the audience through—it is not the easiest film to watch, but it will remain in the mind for quite a long.
Conclusion
The film Trauma is unapologetic, shocking, and emotionally draining, all at the same time. The descriptors a horror movie do not do it justice, as it dives into the dark waters of silence regarding real historical atrocities. Lucio A. Rojas, the director, does not hold back from the dark corners of humanity, but shines a light of hope on those who manage to survive trauma and stab back at their oppressors.
Anybody looking to encounter difficult subject matter will find in Trauma a treasure trove of strong emotions associated with pressing global dilemmas. This is not horror that seeks to amuse—it is horror with reason. With a shield. A scream from history that needs to be listened to.
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