The Gutter’s own Carol is reporting back from the Fantasia International Film Festival with a review of Legions (Argentina, 2022):

When Fabian Forte’s Legions (Argentina, 2022) opens, Antonio Puyjo (Germán De Silva) has been committed to a psychiatric hospital. Antonio is proud of his bloodline, his family and his people. He is an Indigenous shaman, though he prefers “mediator between the worlds,” who has helped heal people and drive out demons. Antonio’s daughter Helena (Lorena Vega), however, is embarrassed by her father and her heritage. She has lost her connection to Argentina’s Missionary Forest and, according to her father and grandmother, her faith. Helena is now working as an advertizing executive and conceals her heritage as best she can. Antonio’s doctors feel good enough about his progress that his lawyer believes he can get Antonio released as long as Antonio doesn’t cause trouble. But there is a red moon coming, the same portentous red moon as the night of Helena’s birth, and a woman comes to visit Antonio and warns him that his daughter is in danger. So Antonio makes some trouble.

Overall, Legions reminds me of the horror movies and horror comedies of the 1980s, especially ones with demons or beasts like Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead series or films like, An American Werewolf In London (1981). There’s even a reference to Poltergeist (1982) that is nicely integrated. In general, Legions could have done with more–more gore, more sorcery, and even more demonic activity. But that aside, I enjoyed the practical effects–the demon vomit stains and the creature claws. I also enjoyed the play within the film, especially the devil costume worn by one of Antonio’s friends in the hospital. I know I am missing things that I would have gotten if I were Argentinian, but as it is, I love the film’s ideas and I had a pretty nice time with the monster, magic, performances and practical effects. 

Read more of Carol’s thoughts about Legions here.