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Shiver (Eskalofrío in Spanish) is a 2008 thriller-horror film directed by Isidro Ortiz, starring Junio Valverde as Santi, a young man grappling with a peculiar condition. This condition, photosensitivity, renders him highly sensitive to sunlight, which forces him to lead a life largely in the dark, giving the film an inherently eerie and gloomy mood. Accompanied by supporting actors such as Francesc Orella and Mar Sodupe, this narrative weaves elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural.

The story unfolds in a small and secluded village in Spain, a location chosen by Santi's mother, who has been searching for a place where her son could experience a more typical life despite his affliction. This remote village seems ideal due to its frequent cloud cover and lower light levels. As Santi and his mother settle into their new home, hoping for a fresh start and some semblance of normalcy, an undercurrent of discomfort and strangeness permeates their surroundings.

Santi soon encounters difficulties in adjusting to his new environment. His condition not only makes him physically vulnerable—it also alienates him socially, as he struggles to connect with his peers and integrate into the local community. The village, blanketed in persistent shadow due to the surrounding mountains, carries with it a quiet and unsettling atmosphere that leads to a series of peculiar events and ominous encounters.

Amidst this backdrop, the film delves into a tapestry of fear and suspicion. The village, with its thick forests and lingering fog, lends itself to an oppressive sense of isolation. It's within these woods that a mysterious and deadly incident occurs, unraveling the tranquility of the village and leading to a climate of paranoia and distrust.

As Santi becomes inadvertently entwined in these disturbing happenings, he embarks on a pursuit to uncover the truth behind the chilling events, with the narrative evolving into a classic horror-whodunit. The plot thickens as Santi, with the help of newfound allies, confronts the village's superstitions and prejudices head-on, revealing the deep-seated fears and secrets of the village inhabitants.

The character of Santi is skillfully brought to life by Junio Valverde, who expertly captures his complexity and inner turmoil. Through Santi’s eyes, we are privy to the confusion and terror that arise from being at the center of inexplicable occurrences, as well as the personal challenge of managing a misunderstood condition under trying circumstances. Francesc Orella and Mar Sodupe, portraying the adult figures in Santi's life, epitomize the conflicting responses of people caught between concern for a loved one and the suspicious undercurrents running through a tight-knit community.

The film's director, Isidro Ortiz, skillfully employs a visually haunting setting to evoke a mood that is both intimate and alarming, blurring the lines between psychological thriller and supernatural horror. Ortiz effectively uses subtlety and anticipation rather than overt horror tropes, placing emphasis on mood and character development, keeping the audience engaged as they contemplate the true nature of the events unfolding onscreen.

The atmosphere of the film is bolstered by a moody and poignant score, which enhances the themes of isolation and otherness. The sound design further complements the storytelling, with every whisper of wind and creak of the forest adding to the building tension.

Cinematography plays a central role in "Shiver," with the play of light and shadow being fundamental to both the narrative and the visual storytelling. Dark interiors and the dim grayness of the outdoors create a constriction that mirrors Santi's own physical limitations. The camera work is deliberate, often focusing on Santi's perspective, which immerses the audience in his claustrophobic and murky world.

As the events of the film unfold, each character's motivations and histories get peeled back layer by layer. Without giving away any spoilers, Santi's journey is not just one of external fright and survival, but also an internal coming of age tale. Santi's fight against societal misconceptions, and his quest for identity and acceptance, elevate the film beyond mere chills and into a thoughtful exploration of difference and determination.

At its core, "Shiver" is a thought-provoking tale that mixes the intrigue of a mystery with the suspense of a horror film, while also delving into the psychological effects of isolation and the desire to belong. The film may appeal especially to those who appreciate horror with depth and nuance, rather than just the shock and gore often prevalent in the genre. It's a cinematic experience that invites viewers to empathize with its protagonist while leading them through a labyrinth of suspense and fear, all leading to an ending that is bound to leave an impression long after the credits roll.

Shiver is a 2008 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.