Watch The Last Matinee

The Last Matinee, a horror-thriller movie by Maxi Contenti, takes you to Montevideo, Uruguay, in the late 1990s. The movie is set in an iconic old cinema house, the Uruguayan Theatre, on the last day of its operation before its demolition. An eerie atmosphere reigns over the once-famous cinema house, and the plot unwraps as a string of horror events occur during the screening of a B-horror film.

The movie starts by introducing you to Ana, a teenager working for the cinema, who is excited about the last screening. We then meet the rest of the characters, including Jorge, the projectionist, and a handful of moviegoers from different backgrounds. The setup of the movie is perfect for a horror-thriller, and it is the small details that make it stand out. The old cinema house is dark, damp, and has a claustrophobic feel, with the red velvet curtains, creaking stairs, and squeaky seats.

The Last Matinee creates a suspenseful, creepy horror atmosphere from the very beginning of the movie. The old, nostalgic atmosphere serves as an excellent backdrop for the horror events that follow. Even the B-horror movie playing on the screen seems too creepy for comfort, with eerie mannequins, a deranged doctor, and a vengeful nurse. Additional to the horror movie, the sound design of the movie plays a crucial role in building the tension, with the echoing sounds within the cinema's acoustics, creating an uneasy feeling in the audience.

As the story progresses, a man appears in the cinema house, wearing a raincoat and a fedora, and armed with a large pair of scissors. The man starts attacking the moviegoers one by one, in a gruesome and violent manner. The characters have no escape and are isolated, as the doors are locked from inside. The audience has to watch in terror as the killer moves through the cinema, leaving a trail of blood and death. The characters' isolation creates a sense of claustrophobia that enhances the terror, as no one knows what's happening outside.

The Last Matinee takes on a unique approach to violence, as it is not the usual gruesome violence we see in most horror movies. Instead, it is more stylised, with a touch of art that makes it more palatable for wider audiences. It is gory and violent when it needs to be, but it also feels like a more classic approach to horror movies. The plot and the methods used by the killer keep the audience guessing, with plenty of plot twists that keep one on their toes.

The characters are realistic and relatable, and the film makes us care for them, as we watch them die in various gory ways. The movie's pace is perfect, and the conclusion delivers all the suspense and horror fans could hope for. Overall, The Last Matinee is a must-watch for fans of horror and thriller movies. It's not just about the horror, but also the nostalgia that comes with old cinemas and the appreciation of a truly well-made horror movie. It is clear the movie provides plenty of chills and thrills for anyone who dares to test their nerve.

In conclusion, The Last Matinee is an excellently crafted horror-thriller film that capitalises on the old cinema house with a dark atmosphere and well-designed sound effects. The twisted plot and stylised violence make it a genuinely terrifying masterpiece that horror fans would definitely appreciate. The Last Matinee is an excellent example of an old-fashioned horror movie that one cannot miss.

The Last Matinee is a 2021 horror movie. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.