Jaula (Chalk Line) (2022)

Jaula (Chalk Line) is a Spanish mystery psychological thriller directed by Ignacio Tatay and produced by Alex de la Iglesia. The film follows Paula and her husband, who discover a traumatized young girl wandering alone on a dark road. Unable to communicate properly, the child is taken in by the couple as they try to unravel the mystery of her past. However, as they attempt to help the girl, they uncover disturbing secrets that place them in danger.

With an eerie atmosphere and a tense narrative, Jaula explores themes of trauma, manipulation, and the psychological impact of captivity, keeping viewers on edge with its twists and unsettling revelations.

Plot

While driving at night, Paula (Elena Anaya) and her husband Simón (Pablo Molinero) come across a young girl walking alone in the middle of the road. The child, who appears malnourished and disoriented, can only communicate through chalk drawings, suggesting a history of psychological trauma.

With no identification and no ability to speak properly, the girl is taken to the hospital, where doctors suspect she has endured severe abuse. Authorities struggle to determine her identity, and Paula, feeling a deep connection with the child, decides to foster her temporarily while an investigation unfolds.

As Paula tries to nurture the girl back to health, she notices strange behaviors—obsessive drawing of chalk lines on the floor, irrational fear of crossing them, and odd reactions to certain situations. Her attachment to the girl grows stronger, even as the situation begins to strain her relationship with Simón.

Gradually, Paula pieces together the horrifying truth: the girl was a victim of a sinister and manipulative predator. As she digs deeper, Paula puts herself in grave danger, leading to a suspenseful and chilling climax where she must fight to protect the child and herself from the lurking threat.

Review

Jaula (Chalk Line) received praise for its eerie cinematography, suspenseful storytelling, and strong performances, particularly by Elena Anaya as Paula and the young actress Eva Tennear. The film effectively builds tension through psychological horror rather than relying on excessive jump scares.

Critics noted that while the film starts as a slow-burn mystery, it gradually evolves into an intense thriller with disturbing revelations. Some found the pacing inconsistent, but the film’s gripping final act and emotional weight left a strong impact on audiences.

With its blend of psychological horror and dramatic storytelling, Jaula draws comparisons to films like The Orphanage (2007) and The Girl with All the Gifts (2016), offering an unsettling yet thought-provoking experience.

Awards & Recognition

While Jaula did not receive major international awards, it gained recognition within the Spanish film industry for its direction and screenplay. The film was well-received on streaming platforms and became a sleeper hit among psychological thriller fans.

Popularity

Following its release, Jaula gained popularity due to its compelling premise and the involvement of acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia as a producer. The film performed well on Netflix, reaching a wider global audience and generating discussions about its disturbing themes and shocking twists.

Jaula (Chalk Line) is a chilling psychological thriller that keeps audiences engaged with its mystery, suspense, and unsettling atmosphere. With strong performances and a gripping narrative, the film offers an intense exploration of trauma and survival, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and mystery thrillers.