La Llorona (2020)

Long Legged Beasties

The weeping woman, or La Llorona, is a Hispanic legend that traces its origins back to the 16th century. We've seen a number of films based on the chilling tale of a spectral woman in anguish over her drowned children, but none have been as compelling as this latest. Director Jayro Bustamante blends the haunting narrative and lush cinematography to delve into the atrocities of the very real Guatemalan genocide of native Mayans. La Llorona, and Maria Mercedes Coroy's hypnotic performance as the titular figure, is a prime example of how modern horror movies have grown to become a powerful form of expression and a deft tool for dissecting real-world horrors.