Directed By: Michelle Garza Cervera
Starring: Natalia Solián, Alfonso Dosal, Aída López, Martha Claudia Moreno
Plot Summary: The supernatural Mexican horror feature is led by Natalia Solián (Carlos Eichelmann Kaiser’s Venice selection ZAPATOS ROJOS) in a star-turning performance as Valeria, a young woman expecting her first child who becomes cursed by a sinister entity. Plunged into a terrifying and dangerous world, a group of witches emerge as her only hope for safety and salvation but not without grave risk. The film also stars Alfonso Dosal (Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico), Mayra Batalla (PRAYERS FOR THE STOLEN), Mercedes Hernández (IDENTIFYING FEATURES), Aída López (Capadocia), and Martha Claudia Moreno.
It’s a rare combination when a movie can be thought-provoking, whilst also making one’s skin crawl. Michelle Garza Cervera manages this and more in her feature film debut Huesera: The Bone Woman. The idea of using motherhood as a spring board for horror is nothing new, but maybe Huesera: The Bone Woman could bring something new to the discourse? Amazingly, it does. There are key elements that make this feature feel fresh and exciting. Cervera is able to expertly fuse her Mexican heritage into the narrative. She celebrates her rich and interesting culture, yet the themes presented are easily translated to any audience member. This is a fine line to walk, but thankfully, the film never sacrifices its identity or loses sight of the big picture.
For example, small moments like tension amongst the family gathered around the dinner table helps paint an authentic picture, but at the same time this moment brilliantly establishes an ever-present dread simmering underneath it all. The tapestry of fear and paranoia that is cultivated is elevated by an unnerving sound design, score, and carefully constructed cinematography. The use of dark spaces, lighting, and color placement really goes a long way in keeping this from being just another bland horror show. Huesera takes its genre template, in this case body horror, and really puts a smart and compelling twist to it. Sure, you get a nice amount of bone breaking and contorting, but it’s also got a brain and a bloody beating heart behind it.
Though she is supported by a highly provocative script, lead actress Natalia Solián truly breathes life into the central role. Solián’s character, Valeria, is the glue that holds this film together. It’s through her eyes that we see the complexity and horror of her situation. She proves that she is able to handle the emotional heavy lifting and showcases a nice range. Even in the film’s more over-the-top moments, she never goes full ham.
Alfonso Dosal is also stellar, playing Valeria’s husband, Raul. Dosal, like Solián, is able to find the humanity in the fantastical. He also brings a lot of charm and likeability, and the two have incredible chemistry together. This is important as you really do buy them as a real couple. It makes the downfall all the more tragic and unsettling.
While the movie is overall excellent, it does have a few issues that are worth mentioning. There are certain aspects of the script that feel slightly underdeveloped. For example, Solián has an extramarital relationship that could have used extra care in setting up. There are a few plot threads that never really connect in a meaningful way. Thankfully, none of these problems ever derail the narrative.
Huesera: The Bone Woman really has it all. It’s a rich and interesting look into Mexican culture, a gripping drama, and an icy, chilling nightmare. It does all these things so incredibly well and left me thinking about it for days after the credits rolled.
Huesera: The Bone Woman is currently playing in select theaters and on digital platforms courtesy of XYZ Films.
Huesera: The Bone Woman really has it all. It’s a rich and interesting look into Mexican culture, a gripping drama, and an icy, chilling nightmare.
Big film nerd and TCM Obsessed. Author of The Ultimate Guide to Strange Cinema from Schiffer Publishing. Resume includes: AMC’s The Bite, Scream Magazine etc. Love all kinds of movies and television and have interviewed a wide range of actors, writers, producers and directors. I currently am a regular co-host on the podcast The Humanoids from the Deep Dive and have a second book in the works from Bear Manor.
