After years of silence, the iconic Spanish horror franchise [REC] returns in 2024 with its fourth installment, [REC]⁴, a bold revival that attempts to fuse the claustrophobic terror of the original films with a broader, more action-oriented scale. Directed once again by Jaume Balagueró, one of the creators of the franchise, this sequel seeks to both honor its found-footage legacy and reimagine its apocalyptic mythology for a new era.
Set a decade after the events of [REC]³: Genesis, [REC]⁴ picks up with Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) — the sole survivor of the infamous apartment building outbreak — now being held in a high-security government facility aboard a remote, offshore military ship. Supposedly cured and under quarantine, Ángela is unknowingly at the center of a deeper conspiracy involving biological weapons and a covert attempt to control the demonic virus that once plagued Barcelona.
Of course, as expected, containment fails — and all hell breaks loose again.
One of the most impressive aspects of [REC]⁴ (2024) is its dedication to suspense and dread. Although the film drops the shaky found-footage style in favor of more cinematic camera work, the tense, enclosed environment of the ship revives the claustrophobia and darkness that made the first film so terrifying. The tight corridors, flickering lights, and eerie silence all contribute to an atmosphere where danger lurks around every corner.
Manuela Velasco returns with force, delivering a powerful performance as a woman caught between victim and vessel. Her character’s arc explores the trauma of surviving demonic possession, while the supporting cast — especially military doctor Dr. Salgado and marine commander Ruiz — help raise the emotional and moral stakes.
Balagueró doesn’t shy away from gore, and the practical effects are as gruesome and visceral as ever. The creature design is chilling, with infected victims exhibiting grotesque contortions and unnatural speed. The sound design adds to the horror, using silence and sudden screeches effectively to jolt the audience. The score is minimal but haunting, reinforcing the isolation and panic aboard the doomed vessel.
[REC]⁴ delves deeper into themes of control, ethics in science, and the nature of evil. Unlike previous entries that focused on demonic possession rooted in Catholicism, this film blends that lore with bioengineering, raising questions about humanity's role in tampering with the supernatural.
For fans of the series, this installment feels both like a continuation and a soft reboot. While it provides some answers about the virus’s origin, it also leaves the door open for future stories — possibly even in new locations or formats.
[REC]⁴ (2024) is a tense, blood-soaked return to form for the franchise. While it may not fully reach the raw terror of the original [REC] (2007), it successfully reintroduces key characters, revitalizes the mythology, and provides enough twists and shocks to satisfy horror fans. It's a worthy addition to the series and a reminder that true horror, when handled right, never stays buried for long.
