Exclusive interview: Demián Rugna on ‘When Evil Lurks’

Few horror films in recent years have hit with the ferocity, imagination and existential dread of When Evil Lurks. Written and directed by Argentina’s Demián Rugna (Terrified), the 2023 film blends supernatural terror with razor-sharp social commentary, delivering a story where demonic possession is not only contagious, but also unstoppable once the system decides it’s someone else’s problem. The result is a furious, violent descent into hellish horror and one that left genre fans reeling and critics hailing Rugna as one of the boldest voices in modern horror.

Now, When Evil Lurks is getting the prestige treatment it deserves, with a stunning new 4K and limited edition Blu-ray release from Second Sight Films. In our latest video interview, Rugna sits down with Erica Vilkus from Love Horror to talk about the new edition and the passion that went into curating it, including his appreciation for the respect Second Sight showed not just to his film, but to horror fans themselves. “It’s not easy to find,” Rugna admits, noting that many directors aren’t even told when their films are released on disc. “This time, they asked my opinion, they showed me everything – it was full of care.”

Rugna also opens up about the creative and personal struggles that shaped When Evil Lurks, a film steeped in grief, moral decay, and societal collapse. It’s not a traditional possession film by any stretch – this is horror as infection, where trauma spreads like a virus and redemption is elusive at best. Yet, as Rugna notes, it wasn’t about trying to make a message movie: “The themes came naturally. It’s just a reflection of our society.” Two years after its premiere, When Evil Lurks remains a film that’s just as uncompromising, and unforgettable, as the day it dropped.

Exclusive interview: Demián Rugna on ‘When Evil Lurks’

As Demián Rugna reflects on his creative journey, it’s clear his commitment to telling original, uncompromised stories hasn’t wavered—even as the industry tempts him with easier paths. “I could make two movies in a year if I accepted certain proposals,” he says, “but I choose to wait.” That stubborn dedication to vision over convenience is part of what makes his films so resonant—and so rare. It’s also why horror fans across the world continue to rally behind his work.

In our conversation, Rugna doesn’t rule out sequels to Terrified or When Evil Lurks, but he’s quick to emphasise that any return to those worlds would only happen on his terms. For now, he’s sitting on a stack of new scripts, refining the next chapter in his evolving horror universe – one filled with complex characters, immersive mythologies, and a sound design best experienced with a proper subwoofer and a slice of pizza in hand.

When Evil Lurks is out now in the UK on 4K UHD and limited edition Blu-ray from Second Sight Films.