[REC] 4: Apocalypse – The Finale of the Horror Series

[REC] 4: Apocalypse – The Finale of the Horror Series
Since its debut in 2007, the [REC] series has become an icon of the horror genre, with its unique documentary style and tense atmosphere. In 2014, [REC] 4: Apocalypse – the final film – officially retold the terrifying story that began in a locked-down house in Barcelona, ​​offering an escape between the ocean and the darkness of a deadly epidemic.

Detailed content
The film opens immediately after the events of [REC] 2. The main character Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco), a reporter who luckily survived being locked in a quarantine house, is rescued by special forces. However, Ángela does not know that in the process, she has become a parasitic supernatural creature that invades – the source of the mysterious epidemic.

She wakes up in a cell on a large ship in the middle of the ocean, completely isolated from land. On board, a team of doctors, including Dr. Ricarte (Héctor Colomé), are researching to find a way to free the disease. In addition to Ángela, the ship has other witnesses, including Guzmán (Paco Manzanedo) - the special forces soldier who rescued her, Lucas (Críspulo Cabezas) - the ship's chef, and Nic (Ismael Fritschi) - the technician in charge of security.

While Ricarte is conducting the experiment, a parasitic mass brought on board escapes, eats a member of the kitchen, causing a disease that quickly spreads. From one person, they are transformed into aggressive, infectious creatures, spreading fear and brain paint across the ship.

While on the run, Ángela's group gradually discovers that the disease is not simply a virus, but actually originated from a supernatural species of duplicates. Dr. Ricarte suspects Ángela is the host and wants to eliminate her to stop the spread. But in reality, it is Guzmán who is carrying the parasite, after it was transmitted from Ángela to him during the rescue in the previous building.

The final battle breaks out when Guzmán, now controlled by the parasite, tries to transmit the pathogen back to Ángela to perform the parasite's ritual. Ángela and Nic join forces to destroy Guzmán, and at the same time prevent the outbreak of the disease. They successfully detonate the ship, jumping into the sea to escape before everything is submerged.

However, the film's ending leaves a detailed image: in the final scene, a fish ripe with the parasite survives the explosion, leaving the possibility that the disease has not been completely eradicated.

How and message
Different from the first two parts using found footage (fake documentary), [REC] 4 returns to the film transmission system of the shooting style, bringing clearer and faster images. The ship in the middle of the ocean becomes a closed and stuffy space, creating a tense atmosphere typical of the survival horror film genre.

The film still retains the mythical state and breathtaking action, with bullying, tearing and danger scenes. At the same time, [REC] 4 exploits the psychological elements of the character, especially the dragon ball between survival and the fear of becoming the source of disaster. Ángela - from a brave zoom member - has become a main member who has to fight against the plague of the human cavalry.

Reviews and feedback
[REC] 4: Apocalypse received mixed opinions. Many fans of the film commented that it did not maintain the breakthrough and rhythm of the first two parts, while there were still audiences who praised the return of Manuela Velasco and the more spectacular setting. Rotten Tomatoes rated the film at 68%, with many compliments for the ending and realistic visual effects. However, some critics said that this final part did not really exploit the full potential of the disease story and characters.

Conclusion
[REC] 4: Apocalypse returns to the famous horror series with a bloody, tense survival battle that leaves a deep echo. Although not really outstanding compared to the previous parts, the film still brings moments of entertainment and waiting for those who like horror. In particular, the open ending of the film hints at the possibility that the epidemic is still continuing, leaving a lot of curiosity and contemplation for fantasy.