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Faith, Folklore, and Agrochemicals: The Real-Life Horror in When Evil Lurks (2023)



Man in damaged car.

When Evil Lurks is a brutal Argentinian horror film blending supernatural terror with real-life issues of faith, isolation, and environmental contamination. Follow along as Ghouls review how Demián Rugna’s tale of demonic possession taps into Argentina’s struggle with pesticide exposure, exploring how folklore and cultural fears bring a chilling depth to the film’s relentless horror.


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 When Evil Lurks (2023)

In a remote village, two brothers find a demon-infected man just about to "give birth" to evil itself. They decide to get rid of the body, only to end up unintentionally spreading chaos.

Directed by Demián Rugna

 

When Evil Lurks and Faith Fails: Argentina’s Dark Folklore & Real-Life Horror

by gabe castro

RED: Quotes, someone else's words.


Synopsis

When Evil Lurks is an unrelenting, gore-laden Argentinian horror film that delves into the terror of isolation, faith, and—always a horror favorite—the uncanny presence of children. Set in a small, remote village where help is far from reach, the story follows two brothers, Pedro and Jimmy, who come upon a decaying, sinister corpse that signals something truly malevolent is afoot. Their discovery leads them to Uriel, a man showing signs of a devastating demonic possession that threatens to engulf the entire community. 


Against the advice of locals who warn them of the entity's terrifying power, Pedro and Jimmy attempt to stop the evil from spreading. The film is full of incidents of them trying to do the right thing. First, they try to get rid of the “possessed” guy before this demonic force can spread. Their efforts inadvertently make things worse, and the demonic force begins to unleash horrific chaos upon the village. The brothers, their families, and the entire village are in survival mode against a relentless evil that seems to spread like a virus. 


When Evil Lurks is a visceral, folklore-infused horror that turns good intentions into horrific outcomes. Rugna delivers unflinching gore, body mutilations, and gut-wrenching scenes that push boundaries, leaving even hardened horror fans shaken. Set in a richly crafted rural world, where superstition and primal fear are woven into daily life, the film builds an inescapable sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.


A Failure of Faith


When Evil Lurks roots its horror in the rich, eerie folklore and societal fears of Latin American culture. Rugna immerses us in a rural Argentinian world where superstitions, curses, and demonic threats aren’t just stories—they’re part of daily life.  It’s a film unlike many horror films because the people are quick to believe the horror is real - a challenge that usually takes up most of the runtime in other horror films. There’s well-known stories, procedures, and childhood songs that confirm the very real threat of the supernatural. Beliefs in demonic possession, curses, and evil forces are part of daily life, often merging with religious practices to form a unique blend of traditional Catholicism and indigenous mysticism. There’s an intense pull between deep-rooted religious rituals and dark supernatural forces. 


Latin American society—especially in Argentina—wears its Catholic roots on its sleeve, and When Evil Lurks uses this cultural foundation to brilliantly explore the limits of faith in the face of unimaginable evil. Rugna doesn’t just sprinkle in a bit of religion; he throws viewers right into the middle of a community that leans hard on their beliefs, clinging to prayers and rituals like they’re life rafts. But these rituals don’t even come close to holding back the sinister force creeping into their lives- faith, tradition, community—aren’t enough to fight the darkness closing in. As the villagers grapple with evil that feels unstoppable, Rugna brings up a gut-wrenching question: what do you do when faith fails you? It’s a powerful twist on the horror genre, tapping into modern anxieties about the limits of belief in a world where some threats just feel too big to pray away. 


A common theme we’ve found in our Satanic Panic series is that this isn’t just about demonic possession—it’s about the terrifying realization that, sometimes, the beliefs we lean on for strength may crumble when we need them most. Director Demián Rugna also draws from his own fears, channeling the dread of facing something unknowable and unstoppable. Fascinated by the horror of losing control, Rugna crafts a story that’s as psychological as it is supernatural, exploring how the unknown can paralyze and consume us when there’s no hope of escape.


Isolation, Contamination, and Rural Dread in Argentina


The remote village heightens the terror, capturing the nerve-wracking isolation of small communities cut off from outside help. With no access to medical aid or police support, residents are left vulnerable, amplifying their helplessness against threats—human or supernatural. This real-world isolation fuels the tension, portraying a community unraveling under the weight of a malevolent force they can't comprehend or escape.

Rugna was inspired by the isolated, rural communities of Argentina where he’d learned they were being plagued by pesticides. “The pesticide infected them,” Rugna told Polygon in an interview, When Evil Lurks’ director says his staggering horror movie is really about pesticide | Polygon. “Kids were born with cancer. Sometimes you see something in the news, but then there’s nothing more to say, and you forget the image. They’re in the middle of nothing, the middle of poverty. They must do work for less than a couple dollars, and they’re all ill. After you turn off the television, you forget, but they are still there, they are still probably gonna die.” Argentina is contaminated with glyphosate which can cause illness for families and livestock in the area. Rugna spoke more on this horror in an interview with Fangoria,  Curses, Contaminants, and Canines: Demián Rugna on WHEN EVIL LURKS, sharing that, “All the time, you see a horizon of fields with little houses in the middle of nowhere, and I thought, ‘Damn, what kind of drama are these people living there? They might be contaminated, sick, and no one knows anything.’ And you drive by in a car or fly over, and those people are still there. That made me think, ‘What if those people who are there, seemingly unnoticed by anyone, instead of being sick, have a demon in the family?”


By drawing on this rural reality, Rugna taps into an atmosphere of dread that feels all too familiar. It’s a place where even well-meaning actions spiral into catastrophe, and the creeping presence of evil feels uncontainable. This mix of isolation and vulnerability shapes the film's horror, turning the villagers' fight against demonic forces into a haunting reflection on how quickly things can fall apart when people are left to confront the unknown alone.


In that interview with Polygon, Rugna expands on the decision to terrify this vulnerable community specifically, “When I decided to make a movie with some kind of exorcism, I thought, OK, but what happens if the people cannot reach a priest? All the Exorcist movies happen in the city, in a big house. But what if we’re in the middle of nothing, in a poor house, with poor people who nobody cares for? Even the owner of the land wants to get rid of them, to burn their houses. It happens in my own country all the time — not the demons, [but the rest].”


Rugna’s approach to horror in When Evil Lurks goes beyond shock and gore; it’s a dive straight into Argentina’s rural soul, where horror is all about primal, cultural fears that feel as real as the soil underfoot. By centering the story around two gauchos, Pedro and Jimmy, Rugna enriches this tension. These Argentinian cowboys are well-meaning, regular men with little in the way of faith or outside support, embodying the resilient, no-nonsense spirit of the gaucho. Their lives are marked by solitude, a choice to live removed from society, where the peace of isolation quickly turns into a terrifying vulnerability when things go wrong. 


Gauchos live on the edge of the unknown, and Rugna uses this lonesome existence as a horror backdrop. When you’re cut off from the rest of the world, even a small threat can become terrifyingly insurmountable, there’s no cavalry coming. The quiet peace of the countryside becomes suffocating, and suddenly, isolation isn’t a choice—it’s a trap.  


When Evil Lurks dives into Argentina’s folklore, questioning what happens when faith and tradition fail against an unstoppable evil. Rugna doesn’t just tell a ghost story; he dismantles the comforts of community, leaving characters to confront an evil that feels all too real. Madness spreads like a virus, and for Rugna, it’s a modern take on fascism: the way the media can twist minds, planting ideas that seem right but slowly, insidiously, push people into darker places. It’s a chilling blend of folklore, rugged individualism, and sheer terror, capturing that unnerving place where resilience and helplessness collide. 

 

Demons or Disease? When Evil Lurks Tackles Argentina’s Pesticide Nightmare

by Kat Kushin


RED: Quotes, someone else's words.


As Gabe touched on, the film was influenced by the Argentinian struggle against agrochemicals, and the health risks they present to the population of Argentina. The extensive use of pesticides and agrochemicals in Argentina has led to significant environmental and health impacts. Pesticide exposure is linked to various health issues such as birth defects, reproductive disorders, and chronic diseases. Those living near agricultural fields are at higher risk of health impacts from agrochemicals. Some pesticides act as endocrine (relating to or denoting glands which secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood.: "the endocrine system".) disruptors, potentially leading to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. The film takes this on when showcasing a rural community impacted by a seemingly demonic plague, taking an overtly religious perspective on what otherwise might be viewed as just a medical issue. This is based on the very real way many rural communities in Argentina are heavily influenced by their religious and spiritual beliefs. 


Environmental contamination is another major issue. Pesticides have been detected in drinking water sources, posing a significant risk to public health. Studies have found various pesticides, including their degradation products, in water used for human consumption. Additionally, pesticides persist in the environment, contaminating soil and entering the food chain through biomagnification. This process increases their concentration and toxicity, affecting both human and animal health.


Argentina's agriculture heavily relies on pesticides to maintain high crop yields, as it is the largest soybeans and sunflower seed exporter. They also produce large quantities of corn and wheat for export. The introduction of genetically modified crops and no-tillage technology has increased the use of herbicides and other chemicals. In some cases under regulated, and without proper training. Monsanto is a player in this.  In one article titled: Birth defects, cancer in Argentina linked to agrochemicals: AP investigation from CTV news, they speak with Tomasi, a worker who was exposed to these chemicals first hand. The article states: “For three years, Tomasi was routinely exposed to chemicals as he pumped pesticides into the tanks of crop-dusters. Now he's near death from polyneuropathy, a debilitating neurological disorder, which has left him wasted and shriveled.


"I prepared millions of litres of poison without any kind of protection, no gloves, masks or special clothing," he said. "I didn't know anything. I only learned later what it did to me, after contacting scientists." "The poison comes in liquid concentrates, in containers with lots of precautions to take when applying it," Tomasi explained. "But nobody takes precautions." This is one of many reports of pesticides being applied without recommended safety precautions, leading to high levels of exposure among operators and nearby residents. 


The responsibility for these issues lies with multiple stakeholders. The Argentine government and regulatory bodies play a significant role, but there are gaps in their oversight. The government relies on figures from business chambers for pesticide usage data, as there are no official statistics or systematic environmental and health surveys. In fact in the CTV article is seemed like further testing was discouraged by Monsanto. So while glyphosate is one of the world's safest herbicides, farmers now use it in higher concentrates and mix in much more toxic poisons, such as 2,4,D, which the U.S. military used in "Agent Orange" to defoliate jungles during the Vietnam War. In 2006, a division of Argentina's agriculture ministry recommended adding caution labels urging that mixtures of glyphosate and more toxic chemicals be limited to "farm areas far from homes and population centres." The recommendation was ignored, according to the federal audit. The government relies on industry research approved by the EPA, which said May 1 that "there is no indication that glyphosate is a neurotoxic chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study." Although Argentina's pesticide regulations align with those of leading agricultural countries, they focus on acute toxicity and often overlook chronic effects. Enforcement of existing regulations is also weak, contributing to widespread misuse and improper disposal of pesticide containers.


The agricultural industry, including business chambers and farmers, also bears responsibility. Business chambers provide data on pesticide usage but may have conflicts of interest that affect the accuracy and transparency of the information. Economic and socio-cultural factors influence how pesticides are used and stored, with some farmers burning, burying, or reusing empty pesticide containers, exacerbating environmental contamination.


International market demands further complicate the issue. Argentina's position as a major exporter of cereals and oilseed crops drives the intensive use of agrochemicals to meet global market demands. This economic pressure often outweighs environmental and health considerations, especially for those in power with the most control over what could be changed. 


What is being done about it: 


Argentina has prohibited 18 specific pesticides, a number comparable to neighboring countries like Uruguay and Chile, but significantly less than Brazil. Monitoring and reporting of pesticide use rely on figures from business chambers, as there is no official data on the quantities administered, and there is a lack of systematic environmental or health surveys on their effects.


Community actions have played a significant role, with local residents campaigning against the use of pesticides near their homes due to their association with health issues like birth defects. These campaigns have led to the introduction of safety measures in some areas. Additionally, Argentina is part of the SPRINT project, which aims to assess the risks of pesticide use and make recommendations for transitioning away from reliance on these chemicals. This project includes comparing findings in Europe and South America to inform better practices. Environmental and health assessments have been conducted to analyze the presence of pesticides and their degradation products in drinking water, highlighting the need for clear rules and integrated knowledge to ensure public health. Efforts are also being made to raise public awareness about the environmental and health risks associated with pesticide use, aiming to inform policymakers and the public about steps to protect residents from pesticide-related diseases. These measures indicate a multifaceted approach involving regulation, community action, international collaboration, and public awareness to mitigate the risks associated with chemical use in Argentina.


Argentina and Religion


As we see in the film, and throughout the Satanic Panic series, religion can significantly influence the perception of the horrors we face, and how we understand them. When it comes to using religion as a lens for health problems, the fact that 80% of Argentina’s population is Catholic brings some context into why this film is included in our Satanic Panic series. In many rural communities, religious beliefs and practices are deeply intertwined with daily life and health perceptions. For instance, some individuals may interpret health issues as divine will or punishment, which can affect their willingness to seek medical intervention or advocate for regulatory changes. Religious leaders often hold substantial sway in these communities, and their views on environmental and health issues can shape public opinion and behavior. If religious leaders emphasize the importance of stewardship of the Earth and the health of their congregants, they can mobilize community action against harmful agricultural practices. Conversely, if they downplay the risks or frame them as unavoidable aspects of modern life, it can lead to complacency and acceptance of the status quo. Thus, religion plays a dual role, either as a catalyst for change and awareness or as a barrier to recognizing and addressing the health impacts of herbicides and agrochemicals.


Catholicism is the dominant religion in Argentina due to a combination of historical, cultural, and political factors. The roots of Catholicism in Argentina trace back to Spanish colonization in the 16th century, when Spanish missionaries and settlers brought the Catholic faith to the region. The Catholic Church played a central role in the colonization process, establishing missions, schools, and hospitals, and integrating itself into the fabric of Argentine society.


The influence of Catholicism was further solidified through the country's political history. After gaining independence from Spain in the early 19th century, Argentina's leaders sought to maintain strong ties with the Catholic Church to promote “social cohesion and stability”, in essence to not rock the boat or enact substantial change. The 1853 Constitution, which remains the foundation of Argentina's legal system, explicitly recognized the preeminence of the Catholic Church, stating in Article 2 that "the Federal Government supports the Roman Catholic Apostolic religion."


Culturally, Catholicism has been deeply embedded in Argentine identity. Major life events such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals are often conducted within the Church, and Catholic holidays and traditions are widely observed. The Church's teachings and moral values have influenced social norms and behaviors, reinforcing its dominance.


Additionally, the Catholic Church has historically been a significant provider of education and social services in Argentina. Many schools, universities, and charitable organizations are run by the Church, further entrenching its influence in everyday life.

While Argentina is a pluralistic society with a growing presence of other religious communities, the historical, cultural, and institutional entrenchment of Catholicism has ensured its continued dominance in the country.


Predominantly Catholic, many Argentinians adhere to the Church's teachings on the existence of Satan and demonic forces as real entities that can influence human behavior and events. The Catholic Church teaches that Satan is a fallen angel who opposes God and seeks to lead people into sin, and this belief is reflected in various religious practices, such as exorcisms and prayers for protection against evil.

In rural and traditional communities, these beliefs can be particularly strong, often intertwined with local folklore and superstitions. Stories of demonic possession, evil spirits, and the "evil eye" (mal de ojo) are common, and people may seek the help of priests or traditional healers to ward off or combat these malevolent forces. The concept of the "evil eye" is especially prevalent, where it is believed that envy or ill will from others can cause harm or misfortune, and various rituals and amulets are used for protection.


However, views on the demonic and Satan are not monolithic. In urban areas and among more secular or progressive segments of the population, these beliefs may be seen as symbolic or metaphorical rather than literal. For some, the idea of Satan and demonic forces represents the struggle between good and evil within human nature and society, rather than actual supernatural beings.


The influence of popular culture also plays a role in shaping contemporary views. Films, literature, and media often depict demonic themes, sometimes sensationalizing or reinterpreting traditional beliefs. For instance, "When Evil Lurks" uses demonic possession as a metaphor for broader social issues like contagion and community distrust, reflecting a modern twist on traditional concepts of evil.

The influence of widespread Catholicism influences how daily horrors can be viewed, and how they are handled. 

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