“Symptoms,” directed by José Ramón Larraz and released in 1974, is a psychological horror film that drips with eeriness and an unearthly atmosphere. While it succeeds in creating a deeply unsettling mood, the film’s narrative and pacing issues ultimately prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, “Symptoms” remains a noteworthy entry in the horror genre, largely due to its chilling ambiance and the haunting performance of its lead actress, Angela Pleasence.

“Symptoms” excels in crafting an atmosphere of unease that permeates every frame. Set in an isolated country mansion, the film leverages its gloomy and desolate surroundings to build a sense of foreboding. Larraz’s direction emphasizes the oppressive stillness and eerie silence of the setting, making the house itself feel like a character in the story. The pervasive sense of isolation and claustrophobia is palpable, drawing viewers into a world where reality and madness blur together.

Angela Pleasence delivers a standout performance as Helen, a woman tormented by her own mind and the enigmatic presence in the mansion. Pleasence’s portrayal of Helen is nuanced and haunting, capturing the character’s fragility and descent into madness with chilling precision. Her unsettling screen presence adds to the film’s eerie vibe, making her character both sympathetic and terrifying. However, even Pleasence’s remarkable performance can’t fully compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of the unearthly. The cinematography, with its lingering shots and shadowy compositions, creates a dreamlike quality that keeps the audience on edge. The use of sound, or often the lack thereof, heightens the tension, making every day noises seem ominous and otherworldly. These elements combine to create a pervasive feeling of dread that lingers throughout the film.

Despite its atmospheric strengths, “Symptoms” struggles with its storytelling. The plot, which revolves around Helen’s psychological unraveling and the mysterious events at the mansion, unfolds at a sluggish pace. The film’s deliberate pacing, while intended to build suspense, often feels drawn out and meandering. Key plot points are obscured by the film’s tendency to dwell on mood over substance, leading to a sense of frustration as the narrative fails to deliver a satisfying payoff.

“Symptoms” hints at deeper themes of mental illness and the supernatural, but it never fully explores these concepts in a cohesive manner. The ambiguity that surrounds the film’s events can be both a strength and a weakness; while it adds to the unsettling atmosphere, it also leaves the audience yearning for more concrete answers. The film’s climax, though appropriately eerie, lacks the impact needed to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.

The Prognosis:

“Symptoms” is a film that thrives on its eerie atmosphere and the unearthly feeling it evokes. José Ramón Larraz’s direction and Angela Pleasence’s haunting performance make it a memorable, if flawed, entry in the horror genre. The film’s atmospheric strengths are undeniable, but its narrative and pacing issues prevent it from achieving greatness. For those who appreciate mood-driven horror and psychological intrigue, “Symptoms” offers a chilling experience, albeit one that falls short of its potential.

• Saul Muerte