Whenever you notice any serial killer, there's always an incident or two from their childhood that can be considered a trigger. The initial acts of violence can be seen towards animals and something similar happens in The Diary. Vera, a small girl, went out with her parents. She can be seen running between the trees when suddenly her voice is heard and she's saying that at least now Nelson (their dog) is not crying. It was their dog who was suffering and Vera ended that by killing the poor creature. She has been attending therapy with Carlos and he claims that they've made significant progress. Vera stays with her mom Olga and her dad lives separately with his girlfriend Mariana.
The mother-daughter has shifted to a new home and when they enter, the lights flicker. They were an indication of the beginning of a never-ending loop. Upon going to the attic, Olga discovers a chest which she clearly remembers wasn't there in the first place. She tries to remove it and even places it by the garbage box yet somehow magically it comes back. There are electrical vibrations in the house and she could see the alternate version of the space. With so many vague things happening around her, Olga made a decision and that was to know what was happening in her newly bought home, the same which she bought with her savings. When reality is revealed and all the dots begin to join, it feels like a race against time, one which Olga had to win as many lives depended on it.
In my opinion, this film has a great way of storytelling. I'm amused by how the layers peel off in the story and you're left with so many questions. These questions make the story so interesting and you'll be left with no other choice but to follow the shadow. At first, it appeared like a horror film to me as the elements fit right like shifting into a new home and a chest that wouldn't just go away. Irene Azuela as Olga did a fabulous job at keeping the audience intrigued. Though Vera’s character was the center of the story, it was Olga who brought the vague theory to light. Isabella Arroyo as the childhood version of Vera deserves special mention. You can't expect a child actress to pull off such powerful scenes with too much ease. Isabella has been precise with how much emotions she has to show onscreen and her eyes serve as a portal to the future devil.
The film is 82 minutes long and offers the audience a unique story. I won't say it can be watched multiple times as the mystery is already revealed in the first watch. With limited resources and time, the movie has done a wonderful job. For everyone looking out for a good time travel or a psychological thriller film, this one's for you. It would've been better if the movie was dubbed as that would allow the film to reach out to more audiences. I think that The Diary has outperformed the expectations and is a must-watch.
Final Score – [8/10]
Reviewed by - Riya Singh
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Publisher at Midgard Times