The Invisible Guardian (2017) Watch Online Free
When the naked body of a teenage girl is found on the banks of the River Baztán, it is quickly linked to a similar murder one month before. Soon, rumours are flying in the nearby village of Elizondo. Is this the work of a ritualistic killer or is it the basajaun, the ‘invisible guardian’ of Basque mythology? Inspector Amaia Salazar leads the investigation, taking her back to the heart of the Basque country where she was born, and where she hoped never to return. Shrouded in mist and surrounded by impenetrable forests, it is a place of unresolved conflicts and a terrible secret from Amaia’s childhood that will come back to haunt her. Faced with the superstitions of the village, Amaia must fight the demons of her past to confront the reality of a serial killer on the loose. But as she is drawn deeper into the investigation, she feels the presence of something darker lurking in the shadows…
The Invisible Guardian (Spanish: El guardián invisible) is a Spanish thriller directed by Fernando González Molina, based on Dolores Redondo’s novel. Set in the picturesque yet ominous Baztán Valley, the film follows Inspector Amaia Salazar (played by Marta Etura), who returns to her hometown to investigate a series of ritualistic murders that have left the local community shaken. The story is rich with tension, combining elements of crime, family drama, and Basque mythology.
The first murder is that of a teenage girl, found naked by the River Baztán in a ritualistic manner, suggesting that a serial killer is at work. As Amaia delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers unsettling connections between the murders and her own past. The killer is rumored to be linked to the mythical Basque creature, Basajaun, a forest guardian. This mythological reference adds a layer of cultural mysticism to the otherwise grim reality of the crimes.
Amaia’s return to Baztán forces her to confront not only the investigation but also unresolved issues within her family. Her strained relationship with her sister Flora, and the troubled memories of her abusive mother, shape much of her character’s psychological journey. Throughout the investigation, Amaia is forced to revisit painful events from her childhood, which influences her decision-making and the way she interacts with others. The investigation becomes personal, intertwining with her quest for closure regarding her family’s dark history
One of the central themes of The Invisible Guardian is the intersection of the psychological and the supernatural. The film examines how trauma, both personal and societal, manifests in violent and often irrational ways. Amaia’s personal struggles, particularly her fraught family dynamics, are mirrored in the ritualistic murders she investigates. The presence of Basajaun, a creature tied to Basque folklore, represents a deeper, almost spiritual conflict. The creature is portrayed as a protector of the forest, but in the context of the murders, it becomes a symbol of the darker, hidden forces that operate within both nature and human nature.
Another prominent theme is the clash between reason and myth. As a rational investigator, Amaia is skeptical of the mythological explanations surrounding the murders, yet the persistent presence of local legends suggests that there may be truths beyond the scientific. This tension between modernity and tradition, rationality and superstition, is a key element of the narrative and highlights the struggle between understanding and accepting the unknown.
The film also explores familial bonds and trauma, particularly through Amaia’s relationships with her mother and sister. These personal conflicts add depth to the procedural aspects of the story, making the investigation a journey of self-discovery as much as it is a search for a killer. The complex interplay of family, heritage, and the darker aspects of the past makes The Invisible Guardian more than just a typical crime thriller
After watching The Invisible Guardian, you will likely feel both intrigued and disturbed. The film’s slow-burn mystery and deep psychological exploration will leave you thinking about the nature of violence, belief, and family. The tension between the rational world of crime investigation and the pull of ancient myths will challenge your understanding of the events, urging you to reflect on how folklore can shape societal perceptions of justice and morality. The film’s haunting atmosphere and its complex protagonist will stay with you, leaving a lingering sense of unease as you ponder the unresolved emotional and thematic questions raised throughout the narrative. Overall, The Invisible Guardian offers a rich, unsettling viewing experience that is both intellectually and emotionally engaging
