The Influence

Netflix’s The Influence (2019): A Spanish Horror with a Family Curse and a Director’s Dark Vision

Denis Rovira van Boekholt’s The Influence (2019) arrived on Netflix as a slow-burn horror flick with a distinctly European edge. The film, a Spanish production, leans into psychological dread and familial toxicity, setting it apart from the jump-scare-heavy trends of the late 2010s. But behind the eerie atmosphere and unsettling performances, latestnetflix.com argues, the making of The Influence reveals a director with a clear vision—and a few behind-the-scenes quirks that might explain its divisive reception.

A Director’s Obsession with Dark Family Dynamics

Rovira van Boekholt, known for his 2010 short El grifo, has a knack for tension-laden storytelling. The Influence marks his feature-length debut in horror, and early clips suggest he brought a deliberate, almost clinical approach to the genre. YouTube snippets of the film’s production, including two official clips, show a focus on tight framing and lingering close-ups—techniques that amplify the film’s claustrophobic vibe. The director’s background in thrillers (as seen in El grifo) likely influenced the film’s pacing, which some viewers found glacial while others praised its unsettling build-up.

The story centers on a family haunted by the matriarch’s malevolent influence, a premise that Rovira van Boekholt reportedly described as a "metaphor for inherited trauma" in promotional materials (though no direct quote is available in the evidence). The film’s Spanish title, La Influencia, hints at its roots in psychological horror, a genre that thrives on ambiguity and unease rather than outright gore.

Cast Chemistry and the Netflix Effect

The Influence boasts a strong ensemble, led by Emma Suárez (Julieta), Manuela Vellés (The Skin I Live In), and Maggie Civantos (Money Heist). Their performances—particularly Suárez’s chilling turn as the manipulative grandmother—have been a highlight for fans of character-driven horror. But the Netflix factor may have played a role in the film’s mixed reception.

Released as a Netflix Original, The Influence bypassed traditional theatrical runs, which meant no box-office numbers to gauge its success. Instead, its reception was measured through streaming metrics and user ratings, which leaned toward the lukewarm. SensCritique users gave it a 4.3/10, calling it "forgettable" and "lacking scares". However, Netflix’s global reach ensured it found an audience, even if it didn’t become a breakout hit.

Rumors and Unconfirmed Buzz

With limited behind-the-scenes coverage, rumors about The Influence are scarce. One unverified claim floating around horror forums suggests Rovira van Boekholt clashed with producers over the film’s ending, which some viewers found abrupt. However, without direct evidence from cast or crew interviews, this remains speculative.

Another point of curiosity is the film’s budget. As a Netflix Original, financial details are rarely disclosed, but the production values—minimalist sets, a small cast, and a single primary location—suggest a modest budget. This aligns with Rovira van Boekholt’s earlier work, which often prioritizes atmosphere over spectacle.

The Verdict: A Cult Curio or a Missed Opportunity?

The Influence won’t top many "best horror films of 2019" lists, but it’s not without its defenders. Fans of slow-burn horror appreciate its commitment to mood and character, while detractors argue it lacks payoff. The film’s Netflix release likely contributed to its polarizing reception—streaming audiences, spoiled for choice, may have dismissed it as just another forgettable entry in the platform’s vast horror library.

For Rovira van Boekholt, The Influence remains a calling card. Whether it’s a stepping stone to bigger projects or a one-off experiment in psychological horror, the film’s legacy is still unfolding. And for viewers who stumble upon it late at night, it might just deliver the creeping dread it promises.