Tin & Tina (2023) is a Spanish psychological horror film directed by Rubin Stein, blending elements of supernatural horror with deeply unsettling psychological themes. Set in 1980s Spain, the film follows a young couple, Lola (Milena Smit) and Adolfo (Jaime Lorente), who, after a tragic miscarriage, adopt two children—siblings Tin (Carlos González Morollón) and Tina (Ana Tomeno). However, the seemingly innocent children soon reveal a dark and disturbing side, pushing the boundaries of religious fanaticism and psychological manipulation.
The film begins with the couple’s grief over their lost child, which leads them to adopt Tin and Tina, two well-behaved, seemingly perfect children from an orphanage. As Lola and Adolfo attempt to move forward in their lives, they quickly notice strange and unsettling behaviors from their new children. The twins are deeply devoted to religious teachings, and their fanaticism grows, leading them to perform increasingly disturbing acts, believing that they are doing God’s work.
The horror in Tin & Tina is not merely about the children’s actions but also about the power dynamics within the family. Lola’s and Adolfo’s inability to fully understand the nature of the twins’ behavior and their own emotional struggles create a tense atmosphere, where the fear of what the children might do next is ever-present. The film examines how vulnerability, trauma, and guilt can manifest in unexpected ways, especially when placed within the context of faith and control.
The chilling and suspenseful nature of the film is driven by its atmosphere, and Rubin Stein uses slow pacing and tension-building techniques to keep the audience on edge. The twins’ unsettling behavior is paired with moments of religious imagery and eerie symbolism, adding layers of unease throughout the film. The performances, especially by the young actors portraying Tin and Tina, contribute to the film’s atmosphere, with the children’s innocence juxtaposed with their disturbing actions.
The film also explores themes of guilt, loss, and the fragility of the human psyche. Lola’s internal struggle with her grief and her desire to replace the lost child with the adopted twins is central to her character’s arc, adding emotional depth to the tension between the parents and the children. As Lola’s and Adolfo’s relationship is tested by the increasingly bizarre events, Tin & Tina questions the limits of parental responsibility and the danger of unchecked faith.
Tin & Tina is a dark and thought-provoking horror film that combines psychological tension with supernatural horror, exploring the terrifying effects of religious extremism and grief. It’s a film that doesn’t rely on jump scares but on a slowly unraveling narrative that keeps the audience questioning the twins’ true nature. The unsettling performances, strong direction, and exploration of deeper emotional and psychological issues make it a compelling, albeit disturbing, film that lingers long after the credits roll.
