Mania

A rowing boat bobs on an endless, foggy ocean, holding a young woman. She wakes up with a start when she hears a child cry for help. With each new scream, black spots appear on the woman’s body, as if a monster tries to escape from her. She tries to run from it, but in this short drama she ends up in a nightmarish trip through a dark world. No matter how far she flees, eventually she will have to confront the monster in herself.

Directed by Edson da Conceicao, Mania leans on a strong ensemble — Ziarah Janssen, Kimayah Koulen — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about horror titles of 2019.