Montserrat is tired of being pushed around by her boss. As a sound editor at Antares, she knows she has the potential to work on better projects.
Her friend, Tristán has a chance encounter with a horror movie director, whose last film was shut down mid-production amidst rumours of death and devastation.
Soon, the two find themselves working with him to complete producing the unfinished movie, and their lives become entangled in the evils that had tainted the project decades ago.
Read if you like: historical mystery novels, Mexican cinema, film production, complicated friendships, cult horror
If, like me, you have read and been impressed by Silvia Moreno-Garcia's writing in Mexican Gothic, it's not guaranteed that you'll love Silver Nitrate.
The novel starts off on the right foot for sure. Montserrat's character voice is strong, and you know she is a no-nonsense kind of woman. Her desire to do great work and confidence is something that pulls you into the story.
But the light at the end of the tunnel stretches further and further away. Before the plot is even completely established, you are then subjected to pages and pages worth of information about Mexican cinema, audio-video production, etc.
I understand that it's important to frame Montserrat as a die-hard horror movie fanatic who is knowledgeable about the history of Mexican cinema. However, the amount of detail that is included in the exposition seemed unnecessary.
I nearly DNF-ed the book thrice, because by the time the plot execution began in full swing, I had lost interest in the story.
Those who enjoy Mexican cinema or even discussing the evolution of movies, in general, would definitely appreciate this book far more than I did.
I like Montserrat's character but wasn't particularly invested in her equation with Tristan. While they have a long history of friendship since their childhood days, her unreciprocated feelings for him and his disregard for her get in the way, causing cracks in their bond.
After more than half of the book when plot developments are being introduced, you get a glimpse of the author's true prowess for writing. The atmosphere is charged with suspense. There's a hint of the supernatural that grows in intensity as the story hurtles towards the climax.
I admire Silvia Moreno Garcia's way with words. Her writing style is substantial and carries an impact. It's the plot execution in Silver Nitrate that dampened the reading experience for me.
The most rivetted I have been while reading this novel is towards the end when all the pieces of the puzzle come together, and Montserrat and Tristan have a faceoff with the antagonist.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend Silver Nitrate. If you are looking for a similar mystery novel that has to do with film production, perhaps check out The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco.
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