The heavy metal subgenre of black metal is one that centres itself on dark and occult-esque themes, but is surrounded by a certain level of infamy ignited by the various exploits of the members of the black metal community. Whether that be church burnings, explicit self harm or actual murder, black metallers have a reputation of taking themselves and their art far too seriously. Invoking Yell, a Chilean found footage horror from director Patricio Valladares, explores this exact quality of the black metal subculture.
Shot over one single weekend, Invoking Yell, depicts an all female black metal band that consists of Tania (Macarena Carrere) and Andrea (María Jesús Marcone) as they travel deep into a forest in order to record psychosonic sounds for their demo. Joining them to document their task on camera is Ruth (Andrea Ozuljevich), who wishes to join the band but must first prove herself worthy. Tania and Andrea divulge to Ruth that they intend to carry out a ritual in order to summon forth the spirits that are said to roam the woods, but it is soon revealed that there are far more malevolent forces at play that will send the group spiralling into a darkness they could not foresee.
Set in the 1990s, Invoking Yell wears its The Blair Witch Project (1999) influences very firmly on its black studded sleeves. Apart from its set up of people travelling into a forest with a camcorder, it also uses the natural environment to create an oppressive and dread-inducing atmosphere. From the skyward shots of dark interwoven tree branches (which strangely enough resemble black metal band logos) to the abandoned shack and gutted school bus, the set pieces are utilised expertly to induce a weighty otherworldly feeling. The sound design echoes the chilling ambience, interwoven with the black metal music of the group are the sounds of running water which creates a white noise-esque drone as well as unsettling moans and screams.
Whilst the first hour of the film is more like a docu-drama in which we are thoroughly introduced to the dynamics of the trio. Andrea is the controlling leader, the Euronymous type who takes herself and her craft much too seriously, Tania the more bubbly personality, messing around seeming to be content allowing Andrea to take the lead. Ruth is the outcast amongst this group of outcasts, picked on by Andrea, and beyond this we’re never privy to her as a character. Through this initial build up, the band come across as more of a joke, yet this is exactly what makes the introduction of the horror element that much more shocking when it does arrive.
Despite its slow burn, this combination of Jonas Åckerland’s true crime saga Lords of Chaos (2018) and the aforementioned supernaturally charged The Blair Witch Project is a competent pairing, yet would definitely hit better for those already knowledgeable about the black metal subgenre.
4 Screams out of 5
INVOKING YELL is set to release across digital platforms on September 20th.
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