Federico Zampaglione’s The Well is a shocking and grotesque horror that will certainly serve as nightmare fuel for many, as it is loaded with haunting imagery, black magic curses, and torturous mutilations. 

 

There’s a beautifully disturbing way in which the film was shot, providing an eerie atmosphere to every piece of The Well’s environment. Split down the middle with two core storylines, the film starts with a trip into a small Italian village for a trio consisting of two biologists and a guide, as well as an art restoration expert who parts ways soon after their ride concludes to hopefully meet again in the coming days for a nightcap. 

 

Lauren LaVera’s Lisa is our lead, and as an art restoration expert she finds her way with a little guidance by a handsome stranger in town. From here on out, things turn for the worse as Lisa truly steps into a nightmare as she starts her restoration process. She encounters ghostly images, off-putting hosts, and a mysterious well that resides in an unknown location. 

 

This might seem like I’ve left you hanging for a more thorough analysis of the plot, but truly it’s worth going in as clueless as you can. It’s a stressful experience and an anxious one at that, made all the more horrifying by the wonderful direction of Zampaglione. LaVera, known at this point in her career as Sienna from Terrifier 2, continues to make a splash in the horror genre, generating a truly fearful personality and a character that’s clearly perceiving the nightmare slowly commencing around her. 

 

LaVera is perfect in this role, and while the ending drives a wedge into my ultimate opinion of the film, her mental trial to get to that position is an uneasy one to watch. Claudia Gerini as Emma delivers a concise bit of awkwardness to her delivery that allows the viewer to be wary from the jump of her true intentions as a host. Gerini, alongside Linda Zampaglione as her quiet, bothered daughter Giulia, are a terrific composition to firm the concept to all watching that something is seriously uninviting about this position Lisa has taken on. 

 

With phenomenal use of practical effects and gore, the film reminded me of the brutal carnage of the original Hostel and how it easily made the viewer tense up as the actions were taking place. It’s the right amount of gore to leave a lasting impression without being excessive in its violence. The casting of those meant to horrify was brilliantly executed, because their existence in this world vibrantly brought this night terror to light. Zampaglione offers a truly unique tale that combines almost everything to love about the horror genre, so even with its flaws such as it’s concluding moments and fast paced character development, The Well leaves quite a lot to admire if you’re eager enough to drop in and find out just what’s residing in this hellish pit.