When you hire a holistic exorcist and the first thing she tells you is "you're in deep shit," it's never a good sign that you've got a problem that modern medicine can't solve, but at least you've got witchcraft as a backup plan. When your sickness stumps three older Mexican ladies who practice ancient sorcery in a hidden room, you're basically screwed.
Valeria (Natalie Solian) has found herself in a similar situation, but by the time she has recovered enough to not be particularly affected by it. After all, pregnancy difficulties are just a part of the story in "Huesera: The Bone Woman." The film's main theme is a universal one.
Valeria (Alfonso Dosal) is set to have the greatest time of her life. They have everything you need to have a successful family: a beautiful house, stable finances, genuine affection for each other, and a great community. To everyone else, they're the exact type of people who should be having children.
Valeria refuses to drop her furniture-making business until her child is born — the chemicals she uses might be harsh, but completely depriving yourself of your passion isn't ideal either — and everyone is sniping away at her. No one seems to believe that she is capable of being a wonderful mother.
Valeria starts to feel physically ill and anxious all the time, which everyone chalks up to a difficult pregnancy for someone who wasn't trained for the job. Which makes them even less inclined to believe her when she begins to hallucinate dangerous intrusions in her home. It's a good thing she did, because she is possessed by the bone woman!
Valeria is haunted by an "unnamed witch" that has sinned her entire life since she was conceived, and she is now a dangerous prisoner with each passing day.
Modern audiences will immediately recognize that the person who makes them a victim has several names, including postpartum depression, or even the simple fact that not everyone is cut out for family life. It's also easy to comprehend why such a myth was created in the first place.
'Huesera: The Bone Woman' is a superb debut film, thanks to Cervera's ability to transform an old wives' tale into a compelling body horror film, which carries a coherent narrative without becoming a morality game. If something goes wrong, you should listen to your aunt, who has connections in the Mexico City exorcism scene.
XYZ Films will release 'Huesera: The Bone Woman' in select theaters on Friday, February 10, followed by a VOD release on Thursday, February 16.