Guadalajara Winning Project 'Dreadful Mother,' a Horror-Thriller from Alicia Albares, Acquired by Latido Films (Exclusive)

BUENOS AIRES After participating in some of the worlds most renowned genre development programs, including Cannes Fantastic 7, Fantasias Frontires, Sitges WomanInFan, and the Guadalajara Co-Production Meeting, where it won two awards, Alicia Albares thriller Dreadful Mother (La Mala Madre) has been acquired for international distribution by Latido Films, a leading Spanish sales agency in the genre market. The Spanish company, known for its growing reputation in the genre film sector, will give attendees at Ventana Surs Spanish Screenings a sneak peek of the films trailer during the Next From Spain: The Talent to Come showcase, scheduled for December 4.

The story follows Victoria, a woman who wakes up in a secluded country house with a broken arm, having been abducted. She is cared for by a seemingly concerned doctor and a nun. As she slowly uncovers the secrets they are hiding, the plot takes a dark turn. Dreadful Mother stars Thais Blume, lex Gadea, Mariana Cordero, Marina Alegre, Javier Pereira, Jordi Aguilar, and Lluna Aldasoro. The film is produced by the experienced Valencian producer Paloma Mora of Admirable Films, with Alberto Daz of Mordisco Films joining as a producer.

Alicia Albares, who made her directorial debut with this project, shared that the character of Victoria represents an alter ego of hers, imagining what her life might have been like if she had chosen motherhood. In an interview with Rubik Audiovisual in July, she explained, I am 37, and Ive never wanted children. Its something society often questions, thinking that I am missing out on a major life experience. Victorias journey is similar; she becomes pregnant and regrets it.

The film has already attracted attention for its psychological horror elements, drawing comparisons to films such as The Babadook, Hereditary, and Relic, as noted by Variety after seeing the project at Cannes Fantastic 7.

Albares explained that Dreadful Mother explores themes of societal expectations and personal choices. Have you ever made a decision because it was expected of you? Something like that happens to Victoria. She faces an unwanted pregnancy and feels trapped by social norms.

At the Guadalajara Co-Production Meeting, the film won both the Estudios GGM Award and the Cinematic Media Award. Additionally, it took home the first-place prize at the Alicante Film Festival.

Author: Maya Henderson