Is La Llorona a True Story, Is It Based on a True Story?

Q: 1. Who directed The Curse of La Llorona and who wrote the screenplay?

The Curse of La Llorona was directed by Michael Chaves, in his feature directorial debut. The screenplay was written by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis.

Q: 2. Is The Curse of La Llorona part of The Conjuring Universe franchise?

Yes, The Curse of La Llorona is the sixth installment in The Conjuring Universe franchise.

Q: 5. When was the film released and how was it received?

The Curse of La Llorona premiered at South by Southwest on March 15, 2019, and was theatrically released in the United States on April 19, 2019. It received negative reviews, with criticism aimed at its reliance on jump scares. However, it grossed $123 million worldwide against a budget of $9 million, making it the lowest-grossing film in the Conjuring franchise, but still a financial success at the box office.

Many of them are eager to know if is La Llorona a true story, and here is the article, which answers it along with the other details about "The Curse of La Llorona", a a 2019 American supernatural horror movie.

by Janani Durga Perumal | Updated May 11, 2023

The Curse of La Llorona

"The Curse of La Llorona" is a horror film released in 2019. Directed by Michael Chaves, the movie is based on the Mexican folklore legend of La Llorona, a ghostly woman who haunts and preys on children. The storyline is set in 1970s Los Angeles and follows a social worker named Anna Tate-Garcia. She investigates a case involving a mother suspected of endangering her children but soon discovers that the family is being targeted by the vengeful spirit of La Llorona. Anna must protect her own children from the same fate.

The film is a standalone and not part of any larger cinematic universe. While it draws inspiration from the legend, it is a fictionalized story and not based on true events. "The Curse of La Llorona" is rated R for violence and terror. The critical reception of the movie was mixed. Some praised its atmospheric horror elements and performances, while others found it formulaic and lacking originality. However, the character of La Llorona has appeared in other forms of media, including books, TV shows, and folklore adaptations.

Is La Llorona a True Story?

According to SyFy Wire, the legend of La Llorona, which is commonly associated with Mexican folklore and often shared with children, can be traced back to Aztec times. Venezuelan actor Patricia Velazquez, who has a role in the film, mentioned that the Curse of La Llorona is a story ingrained in the upbringing of many individuals. She shared this insight with Moviefone.

Actor Raymond Cruz explained to the Los Angeles Times that the legend of La Llorona has been passed down through generations, particularly in the Latin community. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning individuals that if they misbehave, La Llorona will come for them, emphasizing the certainty of her presence rather than the possibility.

How Did La Llorona Die?

In a state of profound guilt and unable to save her children, La Llorona tragically takes her own life by drowning, hoping to join them in the afterlife. However, she is unable to find peace and is condemned to wander the earth in purgatory until she is reunited with her lost children.

Another version of the tale portrays her children as illegitimate, and in an act of desperation, she drowns them to prevent their father from taking them away to be raised by his new wife. Throughout various iterations of the La Llorona myth, certain recurring themes emerge, including her ghostly presence adorned in a white, wet dress, her haunting nocturnal wailing, and her profound connection with water.

History of La Llorona

The folklore of La Llorona, also known as "The Weeping Woman," originates from Mexican culture and has multiple versions with a similar underlying theme. While the exact origins of the story remain uncertain, the core elements remain consistent. In an interview with AMC, director Michael Chaves explained that La Llorona was once a human whose tale is marked by tragedy.

The specific circumstances may vary, such as being wronged by a spouse who leaves for a younger partner or other variations. However, the common thread is a moment of intense rage or madness that can haunt a person for a lifetime. The film adaptation focuses on the story of a beautiful woman named Maria, who enters into a marriage with a wealthy man despite their different social statuses.

Unfortunately, their love deteriorates over time, and Maria's husband reveals his intention to abandon her for a younger woman. Driven by revenge, Maria commits a heinous act by drowning her own children as a means to hurt her husband. However, after realizing the gravity of her actions, she is consumed by grief and ultimately takes her own life.

According to the legend, Maria's actions prevent her from entering heaven, resulting in her spirit being trapped in a state of limbo. As a result, she seeks out and harms living children, mistakenly perceiving them as her own. The legend perpetuates the notion that La Llorona's spirit continues to wander, forever burdened by her tragic past.

Is La Llorona Based on a True Story?

No, the La Llorona movie is not based on a true story. While the legend of La Llorona is deeply rooted in Mexican folklore and has been passed down through generations, there is no historical evidence to suggest that the events depicted in the movie actually occurred. The film, like many adaptations, takes inspiration from the legend and weaves its own narrative to create a suspenseful and thrilling story.

According to the legend, La Llorona, also known as "The Weeping Woman," is a ghostly figure who roams the earth in search of her lost children. The legend continues to describe that due to her heinous acts, Maria is denied entry into the afterlife. Her spirit is left in a state of limbo, doomed to wander the earth, forever searching for her lost children.

While the legend of La Llorona has captivated the imaginations of many, it is important to note that there is no verifiable historical evidence to support the existence of La Llorona as a real person or event. The movie adaptation of La Llorona takes creative liberties with the legend, crafting a fictional narrative for the purpose of entertainment and horror.

La Llorona Plot

In 1673 Mexico, a family enjoys a day in a field, but things take a horrifying turn when the mother, possessed by an evil force, drowns her youngest son after receiving a necklace from him. The eldest son witnesses the tragedy and tries to escape, but he too falls victim to his mother's violence.

Fast forward to 1973 Los Angeles, where caseworker Anna investigates a case involving Patricia Alvarez and her two children. Anna finds the children locked behind a door, and Patricia attacks her. The police take Patricia away, and the boys, Carlos and Tomas, warn Anna to keep them locked up for their safety. Ignoring their pleas, Anna takes them to a child services shelter. There, the boys encounter a ghostly woman in a white dress who attacks them.

Tragically, the boys are found drowned in a river, leading Anna to the scene. She brings her own children, Chris and Sam, but they stay in the car. While investigating, Anna hears Patricia screaming that it was Anna's fault for taking her sons and that Patricia had tried to stop the malevolent force of "La Llorona," also known as The Weeping Woman.

Chris leaves the car out of curiosity and encounters La Llorona, who leaves burn marks on his wrist. La Llorona stalks him back to the car but retreats when Anna returns. The next day, La Llorona grabs Sam and leaves identical burn marks. Anna confronts Patricia, who reveals her prayers to La Llorona for revenge against Anna. Anna seeks help from Father Perez and eventually connects with Rafael Olvera, a former priest turned folk shaman.

Rafael arrives at Anna's house to protect them, but La Llorona relentlessly attacks them. Anna manages to remove La Llorona's necklace during the struggle. Patricia arrives with a gun, initially siding with La Llorona, but ultimately releases Anna to save her children. Chris briefly distracts La Llorona by showing her the necklace given to him by her son.

However, Sam accidentally reveals a mirror, provoking La Llorona's wrath. Anna stabs La Llorona with a cross made from a Fire Tree, which destroys the spirit. Anna and her children express gratitude to Rafael for his assistance. As Rafael departs, Anna looks into a puddle of water and contemplates the events that transpired.

La Llorona Summary

In 1673 Mexico, a mother possessed by an evil force drowns her youngest son after receiving a necklace from him. The eldest son witnesses the tragedy but is also killed by his mother. Fast forward to 1973 Los Angeles, where caseworker Anna investigates a case involving Patricia Alvarez and her two children. The children encounter a ghostly woman in a white dress who attacks them.

Tragically, the boys are found drowned in a river. Anna's own children, Chris and Sam, become targets of the vengeful spirit, La Llorona. With the help of Father Perez and Rafael Olvera, a former priest turned folk shaman, Anna fights to protect her family. They discover that La Llorona's power lies in a necklace, and with a cross made from a Fire Tree, Anna manages to destroy the spirit. Anna and her children express their gratitude to Rafael, while Anna reflects on the events that unfolded.

La Llorona Ending Explained

After enduring numerous encounters with the vengeful spirit of La Llorona, Anna, and her family find a way to defeat her once and for all. In a climactic moment, Anna manages to pierce La Llorona's heart with a cross specifically crafted for this purpose. The supernatural entity, known for her mournful wailing, is finally vanquished.

With La Llorona's threat eliminated, Rafael, the former priest turned folk shaman, concludes his assistance and bids farewell to the family. Anna and her loved ones, relieved to be rid of the haunting presence, return to their home. They can now live their lives free from the fear and torment that accompanied their encounters with La Llorona.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

Is La Llorona a True Story - FAQs

1. Who directed "The Curse of La Llorona" and who wrote the screenplay?

"The Curse of La Llorona" was directed by Michael Chaves, in his feature directorial debut. The screenplay was written by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis.

2. Is "The Curse of La Llorona" part of The Conjuring Universe franchise?

Yes, "The Curse of La Llorona" is the sixth installment in The Conjuring Universe franchise.

3. What is the film based on?

The film is based on the Latin American folklore of La Llorona, also known as The Weeping Woman.

4. Who are the main actors in the film?

The film stars Linda Cardellini, Raymond Cruz, and Patricia Velásquez in the lead roles.

5. When was the film released and how was it received?

"The Curse of La Llorona" premiered at South by Southwest on March 15, 2019, and was theatrically released in the United States on April 19, 2019. It received negative reviews, with criticism aimed at its reliance on jump scares. However, it grossed $123 million worldwide against a budget of $9 million, making it the lowest-grossing film in the Conjuring franchise, but still a financial success at the box office.