Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022) Movie Review - Chilling Pregnancy Horror Scares
Welcome to Knockout Horror. Today we are taking a look at another Pregnancy Themed Horror movie. Coming by way of Mexico and Peru, we are checking out Huesera: The Bone Woman. Man, has this movie ever been getting some love from critics? People are raving about it. So what do we think? Let’s take a look.
Pregnancy Themed Horror
Pregnancy horror is quite popular at the moment. Hell, Huesera is the third one in the past 12 months. They all seem to explore the same ideas and similar themes so this is something of a harvest time for fans of the format.
Huesera: The Bone Woman follows the story of Valeria. After attempting to become pregnant for some time. Valeria and her husband Raúl finally receive good news, they are expecting a child. Everything seems to be going fine, though Valeria is experiencing trouble adjusting. She can no longer work as a carpenter, due to the chemicals used, and has to give up things she enjoys. While sleeping one night, she wakes suddenly. Heading outside to the balcony, she sees a woman jump from a nearby window. Valeria looks on in horror as the woman’s body lies broken on the floor. Is this a bad omen or something altogether more sinister?
Pregnancy horror taps into a lot of the very real fears that expecting parents might encounter. More importantly, it keys in on some of the issues that are far more specific to the person carrying the child. Whether it is bodily changes, fears about parenting or the need to give up things you enjoy. There are many ways to approach this theme. Huesera combines the very real world issues with those of the supernatural. Engaging heavily in visual allegories and haunting imagery, it can be quite effective but, also, feels extremely familiar.
A Deep Character Study
This is a movie that leans heavily into the character study of Valeria. Formerly an alternative girl living a rebellious life. She has now settled into a mundane and predictable existence but, occasionally, she misses her more hedonistic past. Faced with the new demands and expectations, as well as doubts, placed on her by her family and friends. Valeria is a complex and nuanced character who needs help but doesn’t know how to ask for it.
Despite the importance of the subject matter at hand here, Huesera isn’t exactly breaking the mould with its message. This is a common theme echoed repeatedly in cinema. It will resonate with many and feel absurd to others. Such is life and the complexity of the human condition.
Director Michelle Cervera manages to address the topic fairly well and in a slightly more interesting manner than similar horror movies. Presenting Valeria as a character far more determined to discover herself. The metaphors here can feel a little heavy handed and bit clumsy. But it is nice to see a character triumphantly thumbing their nose at the societal expectations that the movie discusses.
Unsettling and Effective
With that being said, horror is not the best genre for deep dives into societal issues. The interesting presentation of a character going through enormous change is difficult to focus on when there is a demand for horror imagery. It is a very tough balancing act and the subject matter can feel at odds with the delivery. Something that has the potential to leave many horror fans wanting.
This is something that, as a horror movie review site, is impossible to ignore. It is also something that many horror fans are pointing out about Huesera. The horror element is forced to take a back seat. For the most part, this is a story about a woman’s struggles with parenthood. Much like The Babadook, it is a movie that uses horror as a vehicle but scares are not the destination.
Huesera does have its moments, though. It is most effective when leaning in to elements of body horror. Twisted and broken limbs contort horrifically, bones tear through skin and crack viscerally. It is powerful stuff and the impressive physical performances will have you gritting your teeth on a frequent basis. Despite this, Huesera is a slave to its drama leanings and is far more concerned with its message than its ability to impart fear. This will be absolutely fine for some horror fans. For others, however, it will simply feel lacking.
Fantastic Acting and Cinematography
Acting is fantastic throughout. There really isn’t a weak performance in the movie. Mayra Batalla is particularly noteworthy with a great performance as Valeria’s ex girlfriend Octavia. Alfonso Dosal, as Raúl, provides the perfect cheery contrast to Valeria, doing an excellent job highlighting the character’s relentless optimism. Again, emphasising the difference in expectations between a mother and father.
Natalia Solián, as Valeria, is the standout performance here, though. Convincing through the entire movie’s length. This is both a physically and emotionally impressive performance. Solián perfectly recreates the character’s initial hope and excitement. Switching effortlessly when the reality of parenthood sets in. It’s effective stuff and her moments of emotion are extremely powerful.
Direction is fine. There are interesting touches used to highlight the inner thoughts of the characters. From physical representations of anxiety, right through to graphic depictions of intimacy. Cervera has some fascinating ways to depict Valeria’s mental state. Cinematography is decent. While never really taking any chances, there is a distinct sense of quality to the shoot. Everything is bathed in a deep yellow hue adding an oppressive atmosphere to the picture. It is very effective in setting the mood, throughout.
The Way Forward?
In some ways, I think this is the perfect type of movie to bring some seriousness to the genre. Horror is underappreciated as it is; people simply don’t take it seriously, even when the messages portrayed are deadly serious. Perhaps we need more movies that address issues that many of us go through to actually force people to take notice. Maybe we need to prove that horror can be a vehicle for strong stories with relatable plot elements.
When people hear the word horror they automatically think of big scary killers, topless women being chased by lunatics and chain saw wielding madmen. Maybe, over time, that mental image will change a little and it will be due to movies like this. What if people thought about all of the above when thinking of horror, but also thought of strong messages delivered creatively through the medium of monsters and frights? That would be the most positive future for the genre, in my opinion.
Movies like Huesera, Hereditary, and the like, prove that this is possible. Huesera is a serious movie with a serious message. Sure, it is predictable and overly familiar in parts. But it is also an example of what the way forward for horror might look like. A place where talented directors aren’t scared to weave their tales of human struggle. Perhaps, one day, horror movies winning major awards won’t be a pipe dream. We can only hope.
Should You Watch Huesera: The Bone Woman?
Huesera: The Bone Woman is absolutely worth a watch. Sure, the horror elements take a back seat to some very important messages about the societal expectations placed on mothers and parents in general. But there is enough here to keep you just a little bit creeped out. Some fantastic body horror combines with a generally unsettling vibe to offer up something that just feels different enough to warrant a decent amount of attention. If you enjoy slow paced movies with something to say, you may find plenty to like.
