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Mirrors – Original Score Review

Horror films might contain my favorite music. Sure, I get swept up in the grand and epic music found in Science Fiction and Action films. However, nothing fuels my own creative nature like a good horror score. Many a night I’ve spent huddled over my keyboard, giggling to myself as I torture my poor characters, all while my own senses get bombarded with morbid brass and brooding strings. Javier Navarrete’s score for the film, Mirrors does not disappoint. I can already envision my dark room, only the glow of my monitor lighting the keyboard, and Javier’s first *100% horror score echoing all around.

The Mirrors score contains many of the horror genre clichés, from dark chanting in the string section (as in the Main Titles track), to deep and dread-laced piano segments (used with great effect within the track Fire). Still, Javier Navarrete reveals a good understanding of the genre. As such, his clichés play as welcome friends to those with an ear for the macabre. For those hoping for a score akin to Javier’s masterpiece, Pan’s Labyrinth, you will be disappointed. Mind you, this is not a discredit to the Mirrors score, but rather an acknowledgement that they are two different beasts. The Mirrors score starts with a slow burn and quickly ramps up to a strong level of tension that assaults your auditory senses. While not groundbreaking, Javier Navarrete delivered exactly what I want from a horror score; lasting dread and good scares.

It is a shame the film doesn’t hold up as well as the score.

*I know, The Devil's Backbone came first, but it isn't technically a 100% horror flick. Get off my back!