The Abandoned (2006), a haunting and atmospheric horror film from director Nacho Cerdà, is set to receive a much-deserved second life with a limited-edition Blu-ray release from Unearthed Films in April 2024. The Spanish-British production, which made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006, is a slow-burn psychological horror that follows an American film producer’s journey to uncover the dark secrets of her family’s past.
The film’s plot revolves around an adopted woman who returns to her homeland and the family home in the remote Russian countryside she never knew, only to face the mystery that lies there. In 1966, somewhere in Russia, a wounded woman drives a truck to an isolated farm with two babies. Forty years later, the child travels back to the wilderness of Russia, where she meets her twin. The twins end up trapped, terrified, and haunted by zombie-like ghosts of themselves.
While The Abandoned has its share of admirers who praise its eerie atmosphere, stunning visuals, and strong performances from leads Anastasia Hille and Karel Roden, the film has also faced criticism for its muddled narrative and pacing issues. Some critics argue that the film’s focus on atmosphere comes at the expense of genuine scares or a coherent story.
Despite these criticisms, there’s no denying that Cerdà has crafted a visually striking and deeply unsettling film. The decaying farmhouse, which serves as the primary setting, becomes a character in itself, with its creaking floorboards, peeling wallpaper, and flooded basement hallways contributing to an overwhelming sense of dread. The cinematography by Xavi Gimenez and sound design by Alfons Conde work together to create a truly immersive and unnerving experience.
While the film’s narrative may not be as straightforward as some viewers might prefer, The Abandoned’s ambiguity and psychological depth have earned it a cult following over the years. The themes of identity, family trauma, and the inescapable pull of the past are woven throughout the film, inviting multiple interpretations and sparking discussions among horror enthusiasts.
For fans who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to revisit The Abandoned or experience it for the first time, the upcoming limited-edition Blu-ray release from Unearthed Films is a cause for celebration. The high-definition transfer showcases the film’s stunning visuals and immersive soundscape, while the included bonus features provide valuable insights into the making of this haunting film.
The extensive list of bonus materials included in the Blu-ray release is a testament to Unearthed Films’ dedication to providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for fans. Interviews with director Nacho Cerdà, as well as collaborators Richard Stanley and Karim Hussain, offer a glimpse into the creative process behind the film. Featurettes like “The Making of ‘The Abandoned’,” “In the Den of The Abandoned,” and “Nacho Cerda: Facing Death” delve deeper into the production and themes of the film, while “The Little Secrets of Nacho Cerda” and “When Buck Meets Cerda: A Dialogue Between Friends” provide a more personal look at the director’s work and influences.
In addition to these insightful extras, the Blu-ray also includes alternative sequences, deleted and extended scenes, outtakes, a photo gallery, trailers, and a BD-ROM storyboard collection. These bonus materials not only enhance the viewing experience but also serve as a treasure trove for fans and aspiring filmmakers looking to study the craft of horror filmmaking. With such a wealth of supplementary content, the limited-edition Blu-ray release of The Abandoned is a cool addition for any horror enthusiast’s collection.
