The Invocation of Enver Simaku is a thriller drama released in 2018. The movie showcases the story of a young Albanian man named Klement who moves to Greece to avoid the blood feud that resulted in his father's death. Klement finds himself in Athens and begins working in a restaurant to earn a living. His job leads him to meet a young girl named Ana, who is in search of her missing sister.
Ana believes that her sister Elsie has been kidnapped by a mysterious figure called Enver Simaku. Enver Simaku is a character from Albanian mythology who is believed to be a powerful sorcerer. Ana asks Klement to help her find her sister and the quest takes them deep into the shadowy underworld of Athens. Ana is convinced that the only way to find her sister is by invoking the spirit of Enver Simaku who has the power to reveal the truth.
The movie takes a mysterious and suspenseful turn as the two strangers delve deeper into the world of Enver Simaku. Along the way, they encounter dark forces and obstacles they couldn't have imagined. Klement and Ana's friendship turns into a romantic relationship, but their focus remains on the task at hand. The more they discover, the more they realize that the disappearance of Elsie is not a straightforward case. There are many layers of intrigue, secrets, and conspiracies at play.
The film is shot beautifully, highlighting the scenic beauty of Greece’s urban landscape. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful and skillfully used in key scenes to enhance the tension and ambiguity of the storyline. The performances by the three leading characters are commendable. Antonio de la Cruz who plays Klement is a standout in this drama, portraying the flawed but sympathetic young man who faces his dark past while trying to help Ana.
Piro Milkani is excellent as Ana, displaying a range of emotions from vulnerability to strength, as she uncovers the horrific secrets of the underworld. Her determination to find her sister drives the plot forward, and her chemistry with Klement is undeniable. Viktor Zhusti plays the character of Enver Simaku, which is pivotal to the plot. He is mysterious in his demeanor, and his screen presence is quite compelling.
The Invocation of Enver Simaku is not just a mystery thriller, but it is also a commentary on the complexities of Albanian culture and belief systems. The movie showcases the influence of Albanian mythology and how it is still prevalent in the modern Albanian society. The plot revolves around the concept of blood feuds - a practice that has been a part of Albanian society for generations. Blood feuds are typically initiated when one of the family members takes the life of a member from a rival family, as happened to Klement's father. The feud continues with revenge being passed down from generation to generation. The movie highlights the devastating effects of this age-old tradition and how it can lead to innocent lives being lost.
The mystery element in the movie is well-crafted, with plot twists that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie has a slow build-up, but it keeps the viewers engaged with its rich cultural context, excellent cinematography, and strong performances by the cast. The final act of the movie ties up all loose ends, and the revelation in the climax is satisfying.
In conclusion, The Invocation of Enver Simaku is a must-watch for anyone who loves mystery and thrillers. It delves into a world of Albanian mythology, traditions, and superstitions while also bringing to light the realities of a blood feud. The movie is a visual feast, and the performances by the cast are commendable. The climax of the movie is satisfying and leaves nothing hanging, fulfilling the viewers' curiosity. Overall, it is a movie that deserves more recognition than it has received.
The Invocation of Enver Simaku is a 2019 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.
