Director: Hèctor Hernández Vicens
Genre: Psychological Horror, Thriller
Runtime: 76 minutes

Plot Summary:

The Corpse of Anna Fritz (2015) is a disturbing psychological horror film that explores the dark consequences of obsession, voyeurism, and moral decay. The story centers around three young men—Vicenç (Alba Ribas), Javi (Cristian Valencia), and Ivan (Bernat Saumell)—who work at a hospital. They stumble upon the body of Anna Fritz, a famous actress who recently passed away, and decide to secretly film and view her body. What begins as a morbid curiosity turns into a nightmare when Anna unexpectedly awakens, conscious but unable to move, trapped in a state of helplessness.

As the night unfolds, the men’s desires and their moral boundaries are pushed to terrifying extremes, revealing their true natures. Anna’s struggle to regain control over her body is juxtaposed with the men’s growing sense of guilt, fear, and desperation. The claustrophobic setting of the hospital room heightens the tension, and the film explores uncomfortable themes of exploitation and the moral consequences of crossing ethical lines.

Key Themes:

1. Voyeurism and Obsession:
   The film delves deeply into the dangers of voyeurism and the corrupting power of obsession. The men’s initial curiosity escalates into something far darker, testing the limits of their morality.
2. Guilt and Psychological Torment:
   Once Anna regains consciousness, the psychological horror intensifies. The men are confronted with the consequences of their actions, and their guilt slowly eats away at them as they attempt to cover up their crime.
3. Morality and Human Nature:
   At its core, the film is a brutal examination of human nature—how easily we can slip into depravity and how one moment of moral weakness can have irreversible consequences.

Atmosphere and Style:

• The film is tightly confined, largely taking place within a single hospital room, creating an intense, claustrophobic environment.
• The cinematography enhances the feeling of discomfort, with stark, raw imagery that heightens the psychological tension.
• The film also uses a minimalist approach to sound and music, allowing the chilling silence of the scenario to amplify the horror.

Why It’s Disturbing:

The Corpse of Anna Fritz isn’t just a horror film—it’s an uncomfortable exploration of how far people will go when faced with temptation and the consequences of those actions. Its shock value lies not only in the physical horror but also in the emotional and psychological unraveling of its characters. The film leaves no room for redemption, highlighting the brutal reality that some actions, once taken, cannot be undone.

Reception:

The film was met with mixed-to-positive reviews, with praise for its provocative subject matter and the intense performance of its cast. However, its dark themes and unsettling content have led to it being divisive among audiences. It’s not a film for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate psychological horror and moral quandaries, The Corpse of Anna Fritz stands as a disturbing and thought-provoking experience.

Note: This film is not for everyone, as it deals with sensitive topics and presents a stark portrayal of human depravity. For fans of psychological thrillers, it’s a visceral experience that will stick with you long after it ends.