Brazilian cinema takes a stab at the anthology horror format in Trilogy of Terror (Trilogia de Terror), a collaboration between renowned directors Luiz Sérgio Person, Ozualdo Ribeiro Candeias, and José Mojica Marins. On paper, this film had the potential to be a landmark in horror, drawing on the stylistic and thematic sensibilities of three distinct auteurs. Unfortunately, the end result is an uneven collection of shorts that, despite flashes of creativity, struggles to maintain coherence or a satisfying level of tension.

The first segment, directed by Person, feels more like an existential drama wrapped in horror’s clothing. It’s a meditative, slow-paced exploration of dread, which is intriguing in theory but ultimately too meandering to captivate. While the cinematography shows glimpses of brilliance, the narrative lacks urgency or cohesion, leaving the audience adrift in a sea of disjointed ideas. Candeias’ segment, on the other hand, attempts to push the boundaries with its gritty, almost documentary-style approach. While it succeeds in capturing a grimy, oppressive atmosphere, it leans too heavily on shock value without delivering a meaningful payoff.

The final segment, helmed by the iconic José Mojica Marins (best known as “Coffin Joe”), is the most engaging but still falters. Marins injects his signature surrealistic flair, complete with macabre imagery and grotesque performances. However, the segment feels rushed and underdeveloped, leaving its potentially fascinating ideas half-baked. Compared to Marins’ standalone work, this short feels like a diluted version of his signature style.

Trilogy of Terror is a frustrating watch that hints at greatness but falters in execution. Its ambitious premise is undercut by inconsistent pacing, underwhelming storytelling, and a lack of synergy between the segments. Fans of Brazilian cinema or anthology horror may find some historical or academic value in watching this film, but for casual viewers, it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression. Two stars for effort and moments of visual brilliance, but the trilogy ultimately fails to deliver on its terrifying promise.

• Saul Muerte