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That is the frequent chant of protesters angered at the favorable verdict against ruthless Guatemalan dictator Enrique Monteverde (Julio Díaz). But the chant can also be seen as the spiritual verdict that hangs above Monteverde's head for his past; there'll be no peace around him or within him, until he faces his wrongdoings. That is the premise of this slow burning, atmospheric Guatemalan film.
I didn't know much about La Llorona, but saw it mentioned on several lists as I was looking for a good Central American film. I have to say that it was absolutely nothing like I was expecting. This is not the cheap, jumpscare filled, monster film that you might be led to believe, but rather a quite profound psychological thriller/drama with very strong political core about a man and his family haunted by guilt and regret.
From the first shot, the direction of Jayro Bustamante shines as he shows a great talent for framing and composition, as well as a patience to let the camera linger as we see every family member is suffering the fallout of Monteverde's crimes. The manifestation of these comes in the form of Alma (María Mercedes Coroy), a young villager that comes to work for the family as a maid. But is there more to her than what it seems?
The whole nature of the film did caught me off guard, but in a positive way. I'm all for a good political drama/thriller with dark undertones. However, I don't think it was executed as well as it could've. I also have no issues with a film's slow pace, but this one pushes it perhaps a bit too much as it waits until the very last minutes to pay off, and in some ways, it feels like it fizzles out.
Regardless of that, the film has a lot on its favor. All of the performances are pretty good, especially Margarita Kenéfic as Monteverde's wife, Carmen. But then again, I feel most of the character beats are too muted and subdued. But in general, La Llorona is an extremely well assembld film, with a great direction that creates an effective atmosphere of dread and fear. Whether it brings proper justice or peace, it's up to you.
Grade:
LA LLORONA
(2019, Bustamante)
A film from Central America (Guatemala)
(2019, Bustamante)
A film from Central America (Guatemala)
"Without justice, there is no peace."
That is the frequent chant of protesters angered at the favorable verdict against ruthless Guatemalan dictator Enrique Monteverde (Julio Díaz). But the chant can also be seen as the spiritual verdict that hangs above Monteverde's head for his past; there'll be no peace around him or within him, until he faces his wrongdoings. That is the premise of this slow burning, atmospheric Guatemalan film.
I didn't know much about La Llorona, but saw it mentioned on several lists as I was looking for a good Central American film. I have to say that it was absolutely nothing like I was expecting. This is not the cheap, jumpscare filled, monster film that you might be led to believe, but rather a quite profound psychological thriller/drama with very strong political core about a man and his family haunted by guilt and regret.
From the first shot, the direction of Jayro Bustamante shines as he shows a great talent for framing and composition, as well as a patience to let the camera linger as we see every family member is suffering the fallout of Monteverde's crimes. The manifestation of these comes in the form of Alma (María Mercedes Coroy), a young villager that comes to work for the family as a maid. But is there more to her than what it seems?
The whole nature of the film did caught me off guard, but in a positive way. I'm all for a good political drama/thriller with dark undertones. However, I don't think it was executed as well as it could've. I also have no issues with a film's slow pace, but this one pushes it perhaps a bit too much as it waits until the very last minutes to pay off, and in some ways, it feels like it fizzles out.
Regardless of that, the film has a lot on its favor. All of the performances are pretty good, especially Margarita Kenéfic as Monteverde's wife, Carmen. But then again, I feel most of the character beats are too muted and subdued. But in general, La Llorona is an extremely well assembld film, with a great direction that creates an effective atmosphere of dread and fear. Whether it brings proper justice or peace, it's up to you.
Grade: