The query ‘La Llorona movie’ most commonly refers to two distinct films released in 2019. ‘The Curse of La Llorona’ is an American supernatural horror film and part of The Conjuring Universe. In contrast, ‘La Llorona’ is a Guatemalan supernatural thriller that uses the legend as an allegory for the country’s civil war atrocities.
Have you ever searched for “the La Llorona movie” only to find two different films from the same year? It’s a common problem! Both are based on the haunting legend of the Weeping Woman. The story of La Llorona is a famous Latin American folktale, so it’s no surprise that filmmakers adapted her tragic story. But when you’re trying to pick the llorona movie to watch from 2019, it can get confusing.
That’s where we come in! At IWatchMovies Blog, we’ll help clear up the confusion between the two main la llorona 2019 film adaptations: the Hollywood horror flick The Curse of La Llorona and the critically acclaimed Guatemalan supernatural drama La Llorona. Even though they share a legend and a release year, the movies are very different in style and tone. As we do in our many individual movie reviews, we’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the right one for you.
This guide will compare each film’s plot, genre, and creative vision. We’ll look at what makes each La Llorona story unique and help you decide which one to watch. So, let’s figure out why there are two major La Llorona movies from 2019 and which one truly deserves your attention.
Why Are There Two ‘La Llorona’ Movies from 2019?
Many horror fans were confused: why did two completely different movies about La Llorona come out in 2019? If you were wondering, you’re not alone!
Simply put, these two La Llorona movies are completely separate films. They are both inspired by the same ghost story, but that’s where the similarities end. Their goals, styles, and even where they were made are totally different. Let’s break down why this happened.
Different Cinematic Universes and Intentions
The main reason there are two La Llorona 2019 films is that they were made very differently and for different reasons. They come from different countries and were aimed at different viewers.
- The Curse of La Llorona (2019): This is the big-budget Hollywood version from Warner Bros. It’s a direct part of The Conjuring Universe, connecting to other popular supernatural horror films [source: https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/curse-la-llorona]. The movie focuses on jump scares and suspense to tell a story within that larger universe.
- La Llorona (2019) (Guatemalan Film): On the other hand, this is an independent film from Guatemala that won awards at film festivals. This llorona movie uses the legend as a powerful symbol to explore political commentary and historical trauma, like the Guatemalan Civil War. Its horror is more psychological and atmospheric.
Shared Folklore, Distinct Interpretations
Both films, however, draw from the well-known Latin American folklore of La Llorona, “The Weeping Woman.” This legend tells of a heartbroken mother who drowned her children and now wanders, weeping, searching for them.
Here’s how each film offers a different take on this chilling tale:
- The Curse of La Llorona presents her as an evil ghost who attacks a modern family in Los Angeles. This interpretation follows a classic ghost story formula.
- The Guatemalan La Llorona, on the other hand, uses the ghost as a symbol. She represents the shared pain and the spirits of genocide victims. Her presence serves as a haunting reminder of past injustices.
In the end, while they share a legendary origin, these two 2019 releases are very different. One offers mainstream scares in a connected universe, while the other is a deeper horror film with a social message. They simply show two different ways to tell the same classic ghost story.
Spotlight on: The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
Plot Summary
Step into the chilling world of The Curse of La Llorona (2019). In this horror film, we meet Anna Tate-Garcia. She’s a social worker and widowed mother of two in 1970s Los Angeles. Her life takes a dark turn when she investigates a case where a mother is accused of harming her children. Anna ignores the mother’s strange warnings about a “weeping woman.”
Soon, Anna’s own children are targeted by the evil spirit of La Llorona. This is the Weeping Woman from Mexican folklore. She wants to replace the children she drowned with living ones. Desperate to protect her family, Anna seeks help from a former priest named Rafael Olvera. He is a curandero, a folk healer who can fight spirits. They must work together in a terrifying battle to survive this relentless supernatural threat.
Genre and Tone
The Curse of La Llorona is a supernatural horror film that uses classic scares. You can expect plenty of jump scares, creepy images, and a tense mood. The tone is dark and serious, designed to make you feel uneasy. It’s part of the Conjuring Universe [1], so it has a similar style, featuring a haunted family and a spiritual expert. The film focuses on the fear of an unseen evil. Its main goal is to be a fun, scary movie rather than explore deep social issues. It puts good scares and an interesting folk tale first.
Cast and Crew
The cast and crew of The Curse of La Llorona brought this scary story to the screen. Here are some of the key people involved:
- Linda Cardellini stars as Anna Tate-Garcia, giving a strong performance as the lead character.
- Raymond Cruz plays Rafael Olvera, the curandero who helps the family.
- Patricia Velásquez plays Patricia Alvarez, the troubled mother from Anna’s case.
- Marisol Ramirez gives a truly unsettling performance as La Llorona.
- The film was directed by Michael Chaves, and it was his first time directing a major movie.
- Producers include horror expert James Wan, as well as Gary Dauberman and Emile Gladstone. Wan’s involvement means a certain style of horror, and this film delivers on that promise.
This team created a scary and good-looking la llorona 2019 film.
Spotlight on: La Llorona (2019)
Plot Summary
Unlike the Hollywood version, La Llorona (2019) from Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante tells the classic legend as a political story. The film is about General Enrique Monteverde, a sick, retired dictator. He is on trial for the genocide of Indigenous Mayan people during Guatemala’s civil war.
Monteverde and his family are trapped in their large home, surrounded by protesters. Soon, strange things begin to happen inside. The family’s Indigenous housekeepers all quit suddenly, leaving them without help.
Then, a mysterious young Indigenous woman named Alma arrives to work as the new maid. Her presence deeply disturbs the family, as she seems to represent the victims Monteverde tried to destroy. The supernatural moments are quiet but powerful, building a chilling mood of guilt and a sense that justice is coming. Is Alma a sign of justice, or is she something much older and more vengeful?
Genre and Tone
This La Llorona movie is a masterclass in atmospheric and psychological horror. It blends several genres:
- Political Thriller: It directly addresses Guatemala’s brutal history of genocide and lack of justice. The film critiques past wrongs.
- Arthouse Horror: Expect slow-building tension and subtle scares. It focuses on mood and deeper meaning instead of jump scares.
- Drama: The film explores the complicated relationships within the Monteverde family as they struggle with denial, their own involvement, and fear.
The tone is somber, reflective, and very haunting. It uses the legend of the weeping woman to represent a nation’s lingering grief and trauma. This llorona movie is not a typical horror flick. Instead, it’s a powerful statement about how a country remembers its past and the need for justice. It was Guatemala’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards [2].
Cast and Crew
The success of La Llorona (2019) is thanks to its strong cast and smart direction. Here are some key figures:
- Director: Jayro Bustamante – A famous Guatemalan director known for his stories about social issues. His work often explores the complex history of his home country. Bustamante’s direction creates a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking film.
- María Mercedes Coroy as Alma – Coroy gives a powerful performance as the mysterious new maid. Her quiet expressions and intensity create much of the film’s supernatural dread. She also starred in Bustamante’s acclaimed film “Ixcanul.”
- Margarita Kenéfic as Carmen – Kenéfic plays Monteverde’s wife with a chilling mix of denial and quiet desperation. Her character represents the guilt of those who benefited from the dictator’s rule.
- Sabrina de la Hoz as Natalia – De la Hoz plays Monteverde’s daughter, a character struggling with her family’s dark past. Her character provides an important view on how trauma is passed down through a family.
- Julio Diaz as Enrique Monteverde – Diaz plays the aging dictator with a quiet, menacing presence. His performance subtly shows the character’s past crimes and current fear.
The film’s praise from critics is clear. It received many awards and nominations around the world, including a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film [3]. This shows its impact far beyond the horror genre.
Is La Llorona connected to the conjuring?
That’s a great question! It’s a common point of confusion for horror fans.
Yes, one of the La Llorona movies from 2019 is connected to The Conjuring Universe. But it’s important to know which one.
The Conjuring Universe Connection
The Curse of La Llorona (2019) is the movie that’s an official part of the very popular Conjuring Universe. This llorona movie has a direct link through the character Father Perez, played by Tony Amendola. Fans will remember him from Annabelle (2014), where he shared key details about the evil doll. In The Curse of La Llorona, he explains the story of the Weeping Woman. His appearance connects this scary tale to James Wan’s larger supernatural world.
This la llorona 2019 film makes the shared universe bigger by adding a new monster to its story. For fans of the Conjuring series, this movie is another scary chapter in the collection of connected horror stories [4].
The Other La Llorona Film
On the other hand, the other film titled La Llorona (2019) is not connected to The Conjuring Universe. This movie, directed by Jayro Bustamante, is a separate arthouse horror film. It uses the legend as a metaphor for real-life political horrors in Guatemala. This version focuses on social themes instead of being part of a larger movie series.
Why the Confusion?
It’s easy to see why people get these movies mixed up. They are both about the same legend and came out in the same year. However, the two films are very different. One is part of a popular horror series, while the other is a serious, political folk-horror movie.
Is the La Llorona based on a true story?
Is the scary story of La Llorona a true story? Many movie fans wonder if the legend really happened. The short answer is no. It’s a famous and lasting folk tale. However, the story has deep roots in history and culture.
This famous ghost story has scared people for generations. The tale is about a crying woman, usually named Maria. People say she wanders near water at night. She weeps for her children, who she sadly drowned. Her sad cries scare anyone who hears them. This popular legend is the basis for movies like the La Llorona 2019 film.
The legend is a key part of Latin American culture. There are many different versions of the story. Some stories connect her to ancient gods [5]. Others say she was a woman who was rejected by a lover. No matter the version, the main idea is the same. It’s a story about loss, sadness, and endless grief. This strong cultural connection makes it a great subject for movies.
So, while a real “La Llorona” is not in any history books, her story’s impact on culture is clear. Moviemakers use this rich myth for their stories. The llorona movie versions bring this scary character to the screen. They tell her sad and terrifying story in a modern horror style. Both The Curse of La Llorona and the Guatemalan film La Llorona (both from 2019) are great examples. They tell the story in different ways but still respect the original legend.
Which La Llorona movie is better?
For Mainstream Horror Fans
Are you a fan of traditional scares? Then The Curse of La Llorona (2019) is the movie for you. This La Llorona movie is full of classic horror elements and plenty of jump scares. It relies on supernatural thrills to keep you entertained. The film is also part of the popular Conjuring Universe. This connection gives it a familiar feel for many horror fans. It offers a straightforward, terrifying experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its main goal is to deliver scares.
Here’s why it works for fans of traditional horror:
- Jump Scares: Get ready for sudden, startling moments.
- Supernatural Elements: The story focuses on classic ghostly encounters.
- Familiar Universe: It fits right into the successful Conjuring Universe.
- Clear Antagonist: La Llorona is a terrifying and straightforward villain.
- Fast Pacing: The story moves quickly to keep the tension high.
For Arthouse & Political Thriller Fans
If you prefer a deeper film that makes you think, La Llorona (2019) from Guatemala is the one to watch. This llorona movie isn’t a typical horror film. Instead, it mixes arthouse style with a powerful political story. The film tackles heavy topics like justice and a nation’s painful past. It uses the legend of La Llorona as a metaphor. It’s a slow-burn horror that builds an unsettling mood without cheap scares, focusing on psychological dread. This la llorona 2019 film was praised by critics [6] for its unique approach. It challenges you to think about real-world problems.
This film is special for its blend of genres:
- Political Commentary: It deals with serious topics like genocide and social injustice.
- Arthouse Style: It has a slower pace and beautiful, haunting images.
- Psychological Horror: The fear is rooted in guilt and painful history.
- Metaphorical Storytelling: La Llorona represents a nation’s unresolved past.
- Critically Acclaimed: Critics loved its depth and originality.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
To help you decide, here’s a simple breakdown of the two different La Llorona movie options from 2019:
| Feature | The Curse of La Llorona (2019) | La Llorona (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Genre | Mainstream Supernatural Horror | Arthouse Horror, Political Thriller |
| Horror Style | Jump scares, traditional ghost story | Slow-burn, psychological, atmospheric |
| Pacing | Fast, eventful, suspenseful | Slow, thoughtful, unsettling |
| Key Themes | Protecting family, fighting evil spirits | Justice, national trauma, political corruption, guilt |
| Connection | Part of the Conjuring Universe | Stand-alone, deeply rooted in Guatemalan history |
| Language | English | Spanish (with subtitles) |
| Target Audience | Fans of traditional horror movies | Viewers who want a film with a deep, social message |
Where Can You Watch Each La Llorona Movie?
Looking to watch the la llorona movie that caught your eye? You’ve come to the right place! Since there are two different la llorona 2019 film options, they are available in different places. Here’s a simple breakdown of where to watch each one.
Where to Watch The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
This horror movie is part of The Conjuring Universe. It had a wide release, so it’s usually easy to find on major streaming platforms.
- Streaming (Subscription):
- In the US, you can often stream The Curse of La Llorona on Max (formerly HBO Max).
- Availability can change, so always double-check your streaming apps.
- Rent/Buy (Digital):
- The movie is available to rent or buy from many digital stores.
- Look for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
- It’s also on Apple TV (iTunes) and Google Play Movies & TV.
- Other options include Vudu and YouTube Movies.
- Physical Media:
- If you prefer to own a disc, The Curse of La Llorona is easy to find.
- You can buy it on DVD and Blu-ray from major retailers.
Where to Watch La Llorona (2019)
This Guatemalan arthouse film is also known as the “other” llorona movie from 2019. It had a more limited release, so it is available on different platforms.
- Streaming (Subscription):
- This film is often available on Shudder, a streaming service for horror and indie films.
- It might appear on other services too, so it’s best to check current listings.
- Rent/Buy (Digital):
- You can also rent or buy this film from digital stores.
- Find La Llorona on Amazon Prime Video to rent or buy.
- It is also listed on Apple TV (iTunes) and Google Play Movies & TV.
- Also, check Vudu and YouTube Movies for availability.
- Physical Media:
- Physical copies of La Llorona are less common, but you may find them.
- Look for the DVD or Blu-ray from retailers that focus on independent or international films.
Keep in mind that streaming options change often. What’s available also depends on your location. Always check your local streaming services and online stores for the most up-to-date information. Happy watching, no matter which La Llorona story you choose
Frequently Asked Questions
Are La Llorona and The Curse of La Llorona the same movie?
No, they are two completely different movies. While they share similar titles and both came out in 2019, La Llorona (the Guatemalan film) and The Curse of La Llorona (the American film) are not the same. The Curse of La Llorona is part of The Conjuring Universe and is a traditional horror movie with lots of jump scares. On the other hand, the Guatemalan La Llorona is an arthouse film that mixes horror with deep political and social messages. Each movie tells the story of the legendary “Weeping Woman” in a very different way.
Which La Llorona movie is the best?
The “best” La Llorona movie really depends on what you like. Here’s a quick summary to help you choose:
- If you like mainstream horror movies with plenty of jump scares, you’ll probably prefer The Curse of La Llorona (2019). It’s a classic Hollywood-style horror film.
- If you prefer arthouse films and horror that explores big ideas like justice and history, then La Llorona (2019) is the one for you. This movie is more thought-provoking and creepy.
Both La Llorona 2019 film titles are great for different reasons. The right one for you depends on what you’re looking for in a movie.
What is the legend of La Llorona?
The legend of La Llorona, or “The Weeping Woman,” is a famous and spooky story from Latin American folklore. It’s about a woman, often named Maria, who does something terrible. In most versions of the story, she drowns her own children in a river out of jealousy or sadness. Because of this, she is cursed to wander the earth as a ghost. She wanders forever near rivers and lakes, crying and searching for her children [7].
This sad story is often told as a warning. The story is about a mother’s sadness, guilt, and punishment. People say that if you hear her sad cries, her ghost is nearby. The details change from place to place, but the main story of a ghostly mother searching for her lost children always stays the same.
Sources
- https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/curse-la-llorona
- https://www.oscars.org/news/93rd-oscarsr-shortlists-announced
- https://www.goldenglobes.com/film/la-llorona
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Conjuring_Universe
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/La-Llorona
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/la_llorona_2019
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/legend-la-llorona-weeping-woman-180968710/
