The Nameless Days marks the second collaboration between writers/directors Andrew Mecham and Matthew Whedon. The horror flick is also the sophomore feature for both of them. Basing their script on the Aztec legends concerning the Cihuateos, the film takes place during the five days of the Aztec calendar that were not attached to any month. During this time, the gods could break the barrier between realms, wreaking havoc on Earth.
In the modern-day, high school track star Nicole (Ally Ioannides) is trying to work up the courage to tell her father, Charlie (Charles Halford), that she’s going to move to San Francisco and live with her uncle. The distant but loving father does not take this news very well, though that soon proves to be the worst of this two-person family unit’s woes. Charlie finds desiccated bodies on the other side of the border after chasing his dog. While he’s gone, Rahui (Alejandro Akara) breaks into their home, scaring Nicole.
“…seeks out expectant women, hoping to snuff out the joy robbed from her so long ago.”
Nicole notices that he is scared and injured, so she decides to help him. Rahui is desperate to get back out there and help his pregnant sister, Gabriella (Ashley Marian Ramos). Coaxoch (Ambyr Mishelle), who was sacrificed by the Aztec king when she was with child, seeks out expectant women, hoping to snuff out the joy robbed from her so long ago. Can Nicole, Rahui, Gabriella, and Charlie save themselves and the baby before it’s too late?
Setting the happenings right along the U.S.-Mexico border and making its initial targets, immigrants, gives The Nameless Days more relevance than the standard horror fare. Mecham and Whedon bring parallels to what imperiled immigrants face when crossing and who Coaxoch is seeking and how. To say more could venture into spoiler territory, so that’s all for now. Just know that the filmmakers have their hearts in the right place and the intelligence to pull off their themes without a sledgehammer.
"…more relevance than the standard horror fare."
