Morbus

A scientist stumbles on a formula that can wake the dead, and his discovery ripples through a city of dim rooms and darker secrets. In a brothel a young sex worker keeps a private dream of becoming an author, and when she meets a real writer the two form an uneasy bond that feels like hope. Their fragile affection draws attention, and a satanic sect crosses into their lives, bringing ritual, danger, and questions about what should stay dead. The film strings these threads together in late night settings and jolting encounters, pairing eerie scientific obsession with intimate scenes of longing and desperation, without promising neat answers.

Released in 1983, Morbus was directed by Ignasi P. Ferré and credits Isabel Coixet as its creator, with Ramon Ferre, Carmen Serret, and Víctor Israel among the cast.

There are no records of major awards or nominations for Morbus, it didn't register with mainstream prize circuits, and it remains outside the usual festival and awards conversation.

The movie has gained a tiny kind of notoriety, partly because of its odd mix of genres and partly because of its connection to Isabel Coixet, who later became better known. That backstory makes Morbus a curiosity for fans of Spanish-language cinema and collectors of obscure horror from the early 1980s, especially given its almost mythical poor ratings.

Critical and audience response has been overwhelmingly negative based on available scores, with viewers noting awkward pacing, rough performances, and an uneasy tone. The film tries to tackle themes of resurrection, forbidden desire, and the pull of occult groups, often favoring atmosphere over coherence. It works for viewers who like strange, low-budget horror with melodramatic romance, but it will test patience for anyone expecting polished storytelling.