The Diary (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“The Diary” (El diario), a 2024 psychological horror-thriller from Mexico, is a gripping story centered around Olga (Irene Azuela), a divorced mother, and her daughter Vera (Isabella Arroyo). The film explores themes of family trauma, paranormal events, and the consequences of discovering a serial killer’s unfinished diary. As Olga delves deeper into the diary’s dark secrets, she uncovers an eerie connection that puts her life and her daughter’s in jeopardy.
This movie originally premiered on Prime Video and is exclusive to the platform, offering a thrilling, eerie experience with a focus on psychological suspense rather than jump scares.
Storyline Breakdown
The movie begins with Vera, Olga’s troubled daughter, calling out to their injured dog in the woods. After a gunshot rings out, we see Vera carrying her dog to the vet, marking the first hint of dark undertones. The story then shifts to Vera’s therapy sessions with Dr. Carlos, where Vera remains silent about the traumatic events.
Shortly after moving into a new house, Olga discovers a dusty chest in the attic. Inside is an unfinished diary that turns out to belong to a notorious serial killer. The discovery sparks a series of terrifying visions, with eerie events such as flickering lights and strange apparitions. These unsettling occurrences escalate as Olga becomes obsessed with the diary, and Vera starts exhibiting increasingly self-destructive behavior. Olga’s investigation into the diary’s origins leads her to a graphologist who informs her that the killer is a woman still alive in the present day, a revelation that further unravels the tension in the narrative.
The movie intertwines supernatural elements with a tense family drama. Olga’s desperate attempts to protect her daughter from the unseen forces threatening them create a suspenseful race against time. The deeper she goes into the diary, the more she realizes that its dark secrets are connected to her and Vera in ways she never imagined.
Themes and Tone
While marketed as a horror film, The Diary leans heavily on psychological tension and emotional depth. The film’s supernatural occurrences are presented subtly, avoiding typical horror tropes like jump scares in favor of eerie atmospheres and unnerving revelations.
At its core, The Diary explores how far a mother would go to protect her child, delving into the psychological strain this places on Olga. The interactions between Olga and Vera drive much of the emotional weight, portraying a dynamic that feels real, even amid supernatural circumstances.
Performances
Irene Azuela as Olga delivers a stellar performance as a mother on the brink, gradually unravelling as the story progresses. Her portrayal of Olga’s desperation to protect her daughter is deeply moving, even as the horror of the situation builds. Isabella Arroyo, as Vera, is equally compelling. Despite her young age, Arroyo’s performance stands out, especially in moments where her character exhibits eerie and disturbing behavior.
Supporting cast members, such as Mauricio Ochmann as Dr. Carlos, add depth to the narrative, though the movie’s central focus remains on the strained relationship between Olga and Vera.
Direction and Cinematography
Directed with a steady hand, The Diary maintains a tense atmosphere from start to finish. The film’s cinematography emphasizes dimly lit rooms, flickering lights, and shadowy corners, all contributing to the growing sense of dread. The use of the old house as a backdrop, with its creaky floors and dark attics, adds to the unsettling tone. The supernatural elements are kept ambiguous, allowing viewers to wonder whether the haunting events are real or merely manifestations of Olga’s spiraling mental state.
Where to Watch “The Diary” Online
For viewers in the United States, The Diary is available exclusively on Prime Video. As of now, it can only be streamed through Amazon’s platform, either via subscription or purchase/rental options. Those with an Amazon Prime membership can watch it at no additional cost, while others can rent or buy the film through the same platform.
Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video (Subscription-based service): The movie is a Prime Original, making it available in various regions, including the U.S. and Mexico.
- Amazon Prime Rental/Purchase (for non-Prime members): You can also rent or purchase the movie for a one-time fee if you do not have a Prime subscription.
Unfortunately, The Diary is currently unavailable on other major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, and there is no information about it being added to those services in the future. The film’s exclusivity to Prime Video is part of Amazon’s growing library of international thrillers.
Final Thoughts on The Diary
The Diary takes viewers on a psychological journey filled with suspense and emotional weight. The slow burn of the plot, combined with excellent performances, especially from Irene Azuela and Isabella Arroyo, ensures that the movie maintains intrigue throughout its 82-minute runtime.
Though the narrative wavers in some places, the unique blend of supernatural horror and family drama keeps the tension high. The exploration of motherhood, fate, and psychological trauma adds depth to what could have been a straightforward thriller.
If you’re in the mood for a psychological thriller that plays on your nerves without relying on cheap scares, The Diary is a must-watch. Its exclusive availability on Prime Video makes it a hidden gem among international thrillers.
Looking for a thrilling movie night? Don’t miss The Diary—stream it now on Amazon Prime Video. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural suspense or psychological thrillers, this film offers a gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final scene.
