"Muse" features one of the most shockingly unpredictable (that is, if you haven't read the plot synopsis beforehand) and intriguing opening scenes, as well as the most beautiful title-sequences I've seen in a long time. So, for what it's worth, after barely five minutes you can rest already assured you haven't wasted any time or money! But, even more impressive, "Muse" remains a fascinating and continuously surprising thriller/horror tale throughout its running time.

Finally, I'd almost say, we have another original, intellectually challenging, genuinely atmospheric, and captivating mystery tale. Scriptwriter/director Jaume Balagueró departs from a couple of familiar horror themes, like an emotionally tormented poet as the protagonist and visions in dreams that become grim reality, but after that nothing is routine or predictable anymore. I don't intend to reveal any plot details, partially because it's too convoluted but mainly because it's a sinister journey worth discovering for yourself. I read about comparisons between this film and Dario Argento's "Three Mothers"-trilogy, and I can relate to that, especially in terms of surreal morbidity and atmosphere.

It's a tense and uncanny puzzle that you'll want to resolve. However, every time you think the pieces start fitting together, a new and overwhelming twist hits you straight in the face. That is rare these days, to say the least. Elliot Cowan and particularly the stunning Romanian actress Ana Ularu are terrific leads, and it was nice to see former cult-queen Franka Potente in a significant role again as well. Creative cult-chameleon Christopher Lloyd has a brief but very memorable supportive role. To be totally honest, I used to think Balaguero was a very overrated director, but the older and matured version of myself guesses it's about time to give "Darkness" and "The Nameless" another fair chance.

The director of some of the best horror movies of the last two decades - I need to rewatch Darkness but even more so Nameless. Both those movies are amazing to say the least. Really gripping and visually very well told. The latter part continues here too, even if the story is or does not feel as gripping as some of the other stuff he has done.

But that is really complaining on a high level, because the movie has more than a decent story. Characters one can follow through and feel for. Which is almost anything you can ask for - horror or drama, call it what you like, maybe even both. You can and will be entertained if you let the movie do that to you

Samuel Salomon : Eliott Cowan , a settling literature professor , suffering recurring nightmares in which a woman : Leonor Watling is cruelly killed . Suddenly , the same woman is really murdered and is found dead at an isolated house . Another girl : Ana Ularu has also dreamed about the astonishing murder . Together , they sneak here and there , discovering a macabre weird World of the fantastic muses who have inspired artists throughout .

Creepy and eerie horror movie with thrills , chills , terrifying scenes , strange rituals , twists and turns . This is a surprising film that starts with a tragic love story and follows to surprising us by means of lots of twists and turns . Including an interesting and mysterious script with plenty of superstition, witchery , ritualistic killings and supernatural elements . Main and support cast are frankly well . Elliott Cowan is fine as a grieving literature professor who has been off work after a tragic death and becomes involved into a horrifying world controlled by mythical figures, a coven of seven ominous women , as he will do whatever thing he can to discover the intriguing mystery . While Ana Ularu is nice as Raquel , the call-girl working at a night-club that will soon find herself immersed in nightmarish incidents. Along with a competent secondary cast , such as : Leonor Watling , Franka Potente, Manuela Valles , Yen Cheung , and the veteran actors Joanna Whalley and Chistopher Lloyd .

It displays an atmospheric and sinister cinematography , full of lights and shades by cameraman Pablo Rosso . As well as a chilling and suspenseful musical score by Stephen Rennicks . The motion picture was compellingly directed by Jaume Balaguero. This Spanish director Balaguero is a good craftsman who has written/directed various succesful horror films such as : Rec 4 , Rec 2 , Fragiles, Sleep Tight , Darkness , Los Sin Nombre, among others .