Patricio Valladares, a Chilean filmmaker known for his 2023 found-footage horror movie “Invoking Yell,” is embarking on an ambitious project: a fantasy-horror cinematic interpretation of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem, “Inferno.” This new venture, named “The Divine Comedy,” is slated to commence principal photography in September in the historic city of Rome. The production is a collaborative effort between Italy’s Anxur Films and Ireland’s Skincrawl Studios, with the latter also overseeing global distribution.
The narrative of Valladares’ adaptation centers on Dante, a grief-stricken author, and his companion, Virgil, a former clergyman. Together, they embark on a perilous journey into the dreaded abyss of the underworld, driven by Dante’s desperate quest to reunite with his departed wife, Beatrice. Their descent will lead them through the myriad terrifying realms inhabited by the deceased and the damned, where they will confront tormented souls trapped in eternal punishments that reflect their deepest fears, desires, and past regrets. Pursued by grotesque creatures and facing various manifestations of human suffering, Dante and Virgil are destined to confront the ultimate evil: the Devil himself.
Valladares has indicated that “The Divine Comedy” aims to push the boundaries of cinematic portrayals of pain and physical torment, drawing comparisons to iconic horror films such as Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” and Xavier Gens’ “Frontier(s).” He expressed to Variety that what captivated him about adapting “The Divine Comedy” was the opportunity to craft a vision of hell that feels tangibly painful and visceral. Yet, he emphasizes that beneath the intense horror lies a profoundly human narrative exploring themes of loss, remorse, and the lengths one will go for love when all else is lost. The inherent concept of the poem, he notes, naturally generates an immense atmosphere of tension and genuine terror. Before production on “The Divine Comedy” begins, Valladares will celebrate the global debut of “Invoking Scream,” the follow-up to “Invoking Yell,” at FrightFest in London on August 28th. This film delves into the sinister intersection of supernatural phenomena and extreme music, following three metal enthusiasts who inadvertently unleash a malevolent force after discovering a buried VHS tape and an enigmatic book of witchcraft at the burial site of Andrea Fernandez, the lead singer of the band Invoking Yell. “Invoking Scream” features performances by María Jesús Marcone, Luna Martínez, Teresita Rios, and Matías López. Additionally, Valladares is developing an interactive FMV horror game through his company, Vallastudio Films, which blends traditional filmmaking techniques with immersive, interactive storytelling.
Valladares' commitment to exploring profound human emotions within the horror genre demonstrates that even the darkest narratives can offer a canvas for artistic expression and a deeper understanding of the human condition, encouraging audiences to reflect on themes of resilience and the enduring power of love amidst despair.
