Is Phenomena on Netflix based on a true story? We discuss the Netflix film and determine whether it’s based on real events. It will contain spoilers.
Spanish Netflix horror film Phenomena has a well-worn path at its central premise.
We are presented with investigators into the paranormal, a creepy antique shop, and a demonic entity. When the group leader, Father Pilon, journeys to the shop, he disappears, leaving the group to try and discover the secret of the shop.
In what is possibly the scariest edition of Bargain Hunt ever made, the film claims to be based on a true story (don’t they all these days). This slightly suspicious article will answer the question is Phenomena on Netflix a true story?
What is the 2023 film Phenomena about?
So Phenomena revolves around the activities of the Hepta group in Spain during the 1980s and 90s. After Father Pilon, the founder of the group, is attacked and hospitalized, three middle-aged paranormal investigators from Hepta throw themselves into the battle with the evil forces that seem to be behind the events.
The three main protagonists are Gloria, played by Toni Acosta, Paz, played by Gracia Olayo, and Sagrario, played by Belen Rueda.
Thankfully, the performers here are in good form, and the great chemistry between them helps keep things together.
Is Phenomena on Netflix based on a True Story?
Yes. The story is based on a true story, but you should understand that every liberty has been taken to present this story as an entertaining comedy horror flick.
The term that is so loosely employed for these types of films has become so commonplace that it becomes almost redundant.
Honestly, look at this short list of horror movies, all supposedly based on true stories, and tell me this is not just a trope now.
The Conjuring 1 and 2, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, An American Haunting, The Amityville Horror, The Entity, The Pope’s Exorcist, Audrey Rose, The Mothman Prophecies, A Haunting in Connecticut, Silent House, and Annabelle, and the list goes on and on.
So although the film has elements of the truth included in the screenplay, you should make up your mind about how much is true.
Is Phenomena on Netflix based on a book?
No, it is not based on a book, but The Hepta group is a real organization, and this film is an entertaining adaptation of one of their most famous documented investigations.
Sadly, one of the real-life members of the group shown in the film died before the film was released.
The character of Gloria Palomeque, the psychic medium in the group, is based on Paloma Navarrete, the real-life member of the Hepta Group who sadly died in 2022 after a prolonged illness.
However, it will perhaps be of some comfort to her fans and loved ones that Paloma was a firm believer in the afterlife and may still be a part of their lives in some way.
