Film Review: The Curse Of The Weeping Woman Dir: Michael Chaves

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Starring Linda Cardellini, Raymond Cruz, Patricia Velasquez

Chase Champion director Michael Chaves makes the move to the big screen with mixed results.

Social worker Anna (Linda Cardellini), the widow of a dead police officer, is sent to investigate the truancy and potential child endangerment of two Latin American boys whose single mother Patricia has a history of drinking. Then La Llorona turns up. The Curse of the Weeping Woman (The Curse of La Llorona) tells a story of the 17th century Mexican folk tale meant to scare children into behaving, otherwise an aggrieved La Llorona could get them while desperately seeking to take back her act of prolicide.

This film doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be, it starts off trying to be a serious thriller, then briefly teases us think into thinking it may turn into a slasher film. Then it tries its hand at comedy for good measure.

Cardellini’s earnest performance does a good job of making this very formulaic film more than a slow release tranquilliser. Set in 1973 Los Angeles, it could have easily been set anytime in the last 40 years besides the old CRT TV, Anna’s flares, and lack of iPhones.

A member of the Conjuring Universe franchise, the link provided is a flashback of a priest holding a ghastly Annabelle doll which feels retrospectively forced. It’s as if the intended audience is a teenager new to horror. Raymond Cruz plays priest turned spiritual guide Rafael, who is portrayed as the saviour that can banish the evil spirit but does little more than sprinkle some powder in a pool. Unfortunately women being male dependant is a malodorous theme throughout.

Some near scares happen early in the film, such as when La Llorona tries to get into the car in which Anna’s kids Sam and Chris are locked in. The scene in which an umbrella provides a window to the supernatural is some satisfying cinematography. There is also some fun, albeit cliché, mysticism references with burning sage, wind chimes and a maraca. Meanwhile Sam trying to retrieve her doll is an “oh come on” moment drawn out too long.

A horror premised around Latin American folklore has so much more promise than the film lives up to be. Chris asks Rafael “are you scared?”, who adamantly replies “No”. “Ever?” “No”. My sentiments exactly.

Andy Baker

Curse Of The Weeping Woman (Rated M) opens in cinemas April 18th.

 

Andy Baker
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