I haven’t given much thought to what I would do if I was waiting for a bus that may never arrive. Surely I’d experience cabin fever and become paranoid over time, but apart from that, I’d find myself at odds with an unfamiliar situation. I don’t know if I’d be able to adapt, nor do I know how long I would last. It’s a scary thought, but thankfully the chances of being trapped miles away from home are slim. In that case, I can truly appreciate the film’s sense of dread as well as its simple but unusual premise. It certainly has a draw to it, so as things go from bad to worse, the feeling of being trapped with the characters becomes quite palpable.

The idea of a transformation affecting a small group is not only interesting but it’s alluring in its own right. It accentuates the remoteness of the setting as well as the paranoia as it emanates from the screen. How’s that for a potent mixture? Well, I for one, couldn’t imagine living in a world where everyone looks the same, but I can appreciate the bizarreness of it. It’s as distinct as it is captivating. I never thought I would say that about a transform that drastically alters the appearance of a group of characters, but here we are. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll wake up and find that my face looks exactly like Ulises’. I wouldn’t be prepared for that. Nonetheless, there’s no doubt in my mind that the metaphors for identity and conformity round things out nicely.

There are certain elements that contribute to the danger and distrust. The child who is able to control adults as though they are his puppets is just one of many; thus, it stands out due to the terror that it evokes. It’s surprising. It’s an element that conveys that the bus station is anything but a refuge from the harsh weather. There’s something strange about the rain; there’s something otherwordly about it. It is without a doubt another element that contributes to the danger and paranoia, which I’m sure you’ll find worthy of praise as long as you aren’t being manipulated by an evil child.

It’s not difficult to see where The Similars gets its influence from. That’s plain as day, especially toward the end, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. If anything, I would say that film is effective due to how well its twists are executed. It’s a winning formula for sure.