Motherhood and ancient legends meet head on in this brooding Argentinian drama.

Set in South America in the early twentieth century, the wife of a wealthy landowner suffers a miscarriage and prays that the spirit of the Iguazú will help her bear her own child. Unfortunately, this pact brings with it a curse for others, who return from the jungle as possessed, black-eyed zombie-like figures.

Laura Casabé’s film – presented in several chapters depicting different viewpoints – takes the plight of the indigenous South America people and adds a supernatural element as well as the occasional outburst of gore and violence. It’s a dense, ponderous film with an ominous, dread-filled soundtrack. It’s in this element – as well as the stunning location photography and eerie images – that The Returned works best. Arguably, it would be more terrifying without the storied elements, relying purely on the visuals to provide the prevailing horror.