The Legend of La Llorona is yet another dive into the folk-horror tale of La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman. A ghostly figure who weeps and wails as she seeks her dead baby (or babies, depending on the story and region), La Llorona has become a very familiar character in horror lore in recent years. Originating in Mexico, La Llorona is usually seen on the waterfront crying for her drowned children. She’s had a resurgence in American culture and cinema – not only spawning a whole bevy of films, but even spinning into Halloween Horror Nights mazes and characters and knock offs at various theme parks and Haunt events all over the country. Like El Chupacabra, Americans have accepted La Llorona as their own. 

The Candlewoods are taking a family trip to Mexico. Having recently lost their baby, Carly (Autumn Reeser) and Andrew (Antonio Cupo) are struggling to find a middle ground as parents and as husband and wife. Each grieving in their own unique ways, and leaving their son Danny (Nicolas Madrazo) to pick up the pieces, they decide to go on vacation – but while they’re there, the family drama is the least of their worries.

The Legend of La Llorona is an expected, but new take on the old story we’ve (most likely) all heard by now. Since Carly is bereaved, she has a different empathy for La Llorona. Since the Candlewoods are focusing on their baby, and not their living son, La Llorona takes advantage of their blindness, and reminds them what actually matters. There’s a delicately woven story of family, and a deeper-than-usual history of La Llorona that adds a refreshing note to a story that’s become a bit tired over the last several years of La Llorona love-fest.

Reeser and Cupo are both excellent, as is unexpected guest Danny Trejo who, as always, steals the show. Madrazo as Danny is appropriately adorable and not-too-precious, and Angelica Lara as Veronica is also a highlight. Unfortunately, La Llorona herself, Zamia Fandiño is unfairly hidden behind constricting makeup, and seemingly has to over-act to get through it. A strange effect is placed over the footage of Fandiño, apparently speeding her up to make her movements more otherworldly and moody – but it comes off at times almost comical. Her overall performance, including some heart wrenching flashback scenes, still shines – though I would love to see it without any of these encumberments.

The Legend of La Llorona has some slow moments and some unfounded tension – in the sense that it tries too much to make you think you’re scared – but the atmosphere and performances make up for these rough patches. Another strong entry in the folk-horror category.

7 out of 10