Review of The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
The Curse of La Llorona brings the chilling Mexican folklore to life within the ever-expanding Conjuring Universe. Directed by Michael Chaves, the 2019 supernatural horror film delivers plenty of jump scares but falls short of achieving the emotional depth of its predecessors.
Plot Overview
Set in 1970s Los Angeles, the story follows Anna Tate-Garcia (Linda Cardellini), a social worker and widowed mother of two. After investigating a troubled family, Anna unwittingly unleashes the vengeful spirit of La Llorona, a ghostly woman who haunts and preys on children. Desperate to protect her own kids, Anna seeks the help of a former priest (Raymond Cruz) who practices unconventional methods of spiritual warfare.
Performances and Direction
Linda Cardellini delivers a heartfelt performance, bringing both strength and vulnerability to her role. Raymond Cruz provides a memorable turn as the stoic yet eccentric spiritual guide, offering moments of levity in an otherwise grim narrative. Michael Chaves effectively utilizes atmospheric tension, employing shadowy cinematography and eerie sound design to evoke fear.
Visuals and Sound
Visually, The Curse of La Llorona captures a haunting ambiance with dimly lit interiors and unsettling water imagery. The spirit of La Llorona herself is terrifyingly realized, with her ghostly white dress and mournful cries echoing through the night. The sound design amplifies the horror, using whispers, screams, and the eerie wailing of La Llorona to heighten suspense.
Final Thoughts
While The Curse of La Llorona succeeds in delivering jump scares and maintaining a tense atmosphere, it lacks the emotional complexity and thematic depth that made other films in the Conjuring Universe stand out. Still, for fans of supernatural horror and folklore-inspired tales, it offers an unsettling and eerie experience.
Rating: 6.5/10
Have you encountered The Curse of La Llorona? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
