☆❀☆

There are several horror films with the title La Llorona; the one I watched this evening was the 2019 Guatemalan film directed by Jayro Bustamante.

This is one of those films that's beautifully done - not just as horror, but as art in general. This is one film that isn't afraid of using long shots, and the technique is employed masterfully here to emphasize mood/tension. Really gorgeously, artfully shot, this one.

Going in, I didn't know anything about the film beyond having a basic idea of the la llorona folklore - a weeping ghost woman who searches for her drowned children. Turns out that this is one of those films where the supernatural force is entirely justified in its actions.

( Film synopsis + spoilery commentary )

Anyway, I think this film manages to very effectively combine art, horror, commentary, and folklore. The result was just plain stunning, and I encourage others to watch it if they have a chance.

For those who are kind of iffy on this genre, I would say that it's as much a drama as it is a horror film. While it does have creepy parts and supernatural elements, it's more tense than anything else, and it's low on jumpscares.

I'm not going to link to the trailer, because it does that thing where it puts all of the best/most tense/creepiest moments in the trailer and completely spoils the effect. But there is a seven-minute music video for the song used in the end credits: La Llorona by Gaby Moreno. Beautiful song - I'm going to have to check out more of this artist's work. Some of the footage is from the film, but most of it looks like it was either cut or shot specifically for the PV, and I don't think it will ruin the effect of the movie if this is watched first.