La Llorona is a sobering look at the Mayan genocide by the Guatemalan military, infused with a keenly reimagined figure of Latin folklore. With a deliberate pace & shrouded horror, the film is profound, satisfying & sorrowful. The crimes of men are paid by women around them.
This is an incredibly special film that evokes the same feelings I had after watching last year's "Tigers Are Not Afraid." It's not a traditional "horror" film and may be off-putting for those seeking quick…
The Vast of Night has much going for it from its solid production design that faithfully recreates a by-gone era to the rapid staccato line delivery of 50s films. The actors are incredibly pleasant. And there’s a nostalgic small town atmosphere that is quite appealing. There's also an incredible shot that travels from a switchboard room, across town around a gym, out a tiny window, to the other side of town, and into a radio station booth without cutting.
Unfortunately,…
Many of us dread the endless Zoom calls and this clever horror film taps the zeitgeist and exploits the helplessness of isolation. It’s shockingly effective and at just under an hour gratefully trims out all the filler. Should more horror movies be this lean and mean? Maybe if the can make the most of their screen time, deliver like this one, and still have a fully satisfying experience. It also helps to have talented and committed cast who make every moment feel authentic. It’s a fantastic scream out loud, wake the neighbors, and turn on all the light afterwards horror movie.
A repeated viewing didn’t make this film any more tolerable. This is Mexican lore that should have been given better cultural respect. Why was it set in LA instead of Mexico? Why now? And what are la llorona’s powers exactly. What the hell is going on? The screenwriters don’t seem to know or care and instead focus on one jump scare after another. And don’t get me started on it being centered on a white woman.
