Directed by Terrence Williams
Review by David Carter


Released by SRS-Cinema
Running Time: 65 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Color format: Color
Audio/Subtitles: 2.0 Stereo English
Region Code: 1, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: Full Frame
16:9 Enhanced: No
Special Features: Behind the scenes, Still Gallery, Deleted scenes, Music Videos
Trailer Online: Yes

La Llorona is a Hispanic folktale about a mysterious figure that appears at night. Depending on which version of the legend you’re talking about, she can be a tragic or horrific spirit who either serves as a symbolic warning of danger or the danger itself. The myth has been the subject of several films, most of which were made in Mexico or South America where she is often depicted as the villain in horror films. Low budget filmmaker Terrence Williams has made a trilogy of films about the La Llorona myth. The last of these is CURSE OF LA LLORONA, now available from SRS-Cinema.

Mail carrier Sonya enters a home after getting no response to her knocking. Once inside she finds young Hana in the tub with her wrists slit and her mother and father dead in the next room. She survives but is left in an almost catatonic state. A short time later, Daniel, Hana’s uncle, comes to take care of her along with his wife Gaby and their daughter Patty. Gaby wants very much to be able to help Hana return to a normal life and make her part of their family. Daniel and Patty are completely weirded out by her, however, especially after they learn she’s prone to violent outbursts. Things get even stranger after Patty begins seeing a woman with claws in her closet and Daniel is attacked by something outside. Gaby refuses to believe that there is anything out of the ordinary going on, and writes the happenings off as their attempts to get out of caring for Hana. She starts to believe once it becomes clear that Hana is inhabited by the spirit of La Llorona and will stop at nothing until her bloodlust is satisfied.

CURSE OF LA LLORONA is an example of extreme micro budget horror cinema. Those of you not accustomed to such films may find some of its qualities to be a bit distracting. Characters act like it is nighttime while the bright morning sunshine streams into the room, there are frequent continuity issues, and at time the plot makes little sense. That isn’t to say that the film isn’t entertaining, however. So numerous are the film’s flaws that I think that possibly they are intentional. Director Terrence Williams has created a film is so removed from conventional cinematic technique that it becomes compelling to watch. The action continues undeterred despite the many missteps to the point that it will likely inspire a bit of admiration in you as you view it. The extra features on the DVD almost last longer than the film itself, and offer a look into the makings of a film on a shoestring budget.

CURSE OF LA LLORONA meets most people’s qualifications for a “bad movie.” I’d rather watch a bad movie than a boring one any day, and the film’s flaws are its strengths. If the film had a gigantic budget or a host of big name stars it wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable to watch. You probably won’t think it’s the greatest film of all time, but those cinephiles that enjoy a good Ed Wood style effort won’t want to miss it.