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When Evil Lurks

When Evil Lurks is a 2023 supernatural horror film written and directed by Demián Rugna.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

When Evil Lurks (Spanish: Cuando acecha la maldad) is a 2023 supernatural horror film written and directed by Demián Rugna. An Argentine-American co-production, it follows two brothers in rural Argentina as a demonic infection spreads through their community. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2023, and was released theatrically by IFC Films on October 6, 2023, before streaming on Shudder on October 27, 2023.

Premise

The film follows two brothers who discover a demon-infected man in a rural community. Their attempt to deal with the threat instead contributes to the spread of the supernatural outbreak.

Production and release

When Evil Lurks is an Argentine-American co-production written and directed by Demián Rugna. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2023, before receiving a U.S. theatrical release on October 6, 2023, and a later streaming debut on Shudder on October 27, 2023.

Cast

The main cast includes Ezequiel Rodríguez, Demián Salomon, Luis Ziembrowski, Silvia Sabater, and Marcelo Michinaux. These performers portray the central family and community figures caught in the outbreak.

Key facts

  • The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2023.
  • It was released theatrically by IFC Films on October 6, 2023.
  • It began streaming on Shudder on October 27, 2023.
  • The story centers on two brothers confronting a spreading demonic possession in a rural town.
  • The cast includes Ezequiel Rodríguez, Demián Salomon, Luis Ziembrowski, Silvia Sabater, and Marcelo Michinaux.
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Canadian context

It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, giving it a direct Canadian connection for festival audiences and Canadian coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What is When Evil Lurks about?
It is about two brothers in rural Argentina who encounter a demon-infected man and accidentally help spread a supernatural possession outbreak.
Who directed When Evil Lurks?
The film was written and directed by Demián Rugna.
When was When Evil Lurks released?
It premiered in September 2023, opened theatrically in October 2023, and arrived on Shudder later that month.
What is the original title of When Evil Lurks?
The original Spanish title is Cuando acecha la maldad.
What language is the film in?
The film is in Spanish.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_Evil_Lurks
    Supports: Original title, year, genre, director, cast, premise, premiere and release dates.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/when_evil_lurks
    Supports: Runtime, original language, and release dates.
  3. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/05/movies/when-evil-lurks-review.html
    Supports: Plot description, runtime, theatrical availability, and horror genre framing.
  4. IFC Films — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrTnV6gNzno
    Supports: Official trailer details including director, cast, and theatrical opening date.