Skull: The Mask – Review

24th May 2021

An ancient ritual has been passed down through generations in which a sacred skull is said to possess the devil himself. A product of black magic, the skull can be worn as a mask and the owner of the mask is said to unleash a killing spree into the world once it has awoken.

Detective Beatriz Obdias (Natallia Rodrigues) is a cop with a troubled past where she was the first to arrive at the scene of a grisly murder. Then one day she’s called to the scene of a double homicide which is said to have occurred after a black magic ritual had taken place in the house.

The bodies had been found with their hearts ripped out of their chests and the skull artefact has gone missing. Fearing the worst and that there may be more murders of this type, detective Obdias starts to research the mask and its shady past. However, she’s met with opposition as a rich businessman named Tack Waelder (Ivo Müller) wants to retrieve the skull for himself.

Skull: The Mask is a visceral Brazilian horror movie exclusive to Shudder. Steeped in a rich, mystical lore it seems that the skull is the perfect McGuffin to lead a new series of horror movies. The simple premise and quick set up give its audience an old school horror feel while simultaneously being a particularly Brazilian tale.

Horror movies from the 80’s such as Candyman and A Nightmare on Elm Street gave a new and yet familiar twist on the typical slasher movie, however Skull: The Mask’s unique take on the genre may gives its audience a reason to want more.

Alongside a simple idea are the scenes of horror which also harken back to a simpler time of practical and elaborate special effects. Every kill is tailormade for an audience who love the blood and gore of a violent and needlessly bloody kill.

The skull itself is also a rather dramatic look which has the potential to become an iconic look all in itself. However, although the detective subplot may not interest audiences as much, they should know that whatever setting it’s in, Skull: The Mask is satisfying enough to want a sequel or maybe even a franchise.

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