When people think of Spanish horror, what usually comes to mind are films like REC or any Guillermo del Toro film. Writer/director Lorenzo Ayuso created what I think is a tremendously impressive addition to this genre: Extrema Gravedad. This 6-minute short is currently on its last rounds of festival runs and gaining accolades left and right. Part dark comedy, part found footage, all independent, Extrema Gravedad asks what the worst thing could happen to you while attempting suicide is.
Camilo (Álvaro Márquez) speaks to the camera detailing the troubles in his life. Rather than sad, he seems angry and just done with it all. Gulping down pills, Camilo notices a naked butt just outside his window — well, a naked person, I should say. He and the person (“El hombre del culo,” voiced by David Blanka) have a conversation that just grows funnier and funnier.
Extrema Gravedad almost feels like it belongs in The ABCs of Death because it shows a slice of a serious situation but is riddled with hilarity. At first, you are sad for Camilo. Then, as his exhaust with the world turns to annoyance with El hombre del culo, we forget the seriousness and resort to laughter. What a preposterous situation to be in; all you can do is laugh!
It is not often that a short has this type of effect on me. Usually, horror shorts give one of two emotions: fear or revelation. Extrema Gravedad is almost pure joy, pure silliness, and all-around fun.
Extrema Gravedad is simply shot and effective in story-telling. What you think you’ll get at the beginning quickly turns upside down, leaving not one dull moment; I can see why this film is garnering so much attention. Lighthearted and a quick watch, Extrema Gravedad perked up my day with a reminder that even in hard times, there is still a bit of fun left for you to have. I’m not sure if Camilo went through with his plans after meeting El hombre, but I’m choosing to believe he at least took a rain check.
Extrema Gravedad was recently released on Blu-ray in Spain as a special feature for Slasher (Alberto Armas, distributed by Gabita Barbieri). For more from Lorenzo Ayuso, follow him on his website as well as Instagram, and look for Extrema Gravedad on Letterboxd.
