Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022) Review – A Visceral and Thoughtful Body Horror

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.

Pregnancy themed horror

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.

“Huesera: The Bone Woman follows the story of Valeria. After attempting to become pregnant for some time, she finally receives good news, but everything isn’t as fine as it seems.”

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 Garza 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 a 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.

“Huesera is most effective when leaning into elements of body horror. Twisted and broken limbs contort horrifically, bones tear through skin and crack viscerally.”

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.

“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.”

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.

Our Scoring Philosophy: A Fair Fight

Horror is a genre that thrives thanks to indie film makers and low budget creators. At Knockout Horror, we firmly believe that every movie that we review deserves a fair fight. That's why we grade on a curve. Our star ratings are all about context, judging a film on what it achieves with the resources it has.

A 4-star rating for a scrappy indie horror made for $10,000 is a testament to its ingenuity and raw power. A 4-star rating for a $100 million blockbuster means it delivered on its epic promises. We don't compare them side-by-side; we celebrate success in every weight class, from the back-alley brawler to the heavyweight champion. Please keep this in mind when considering star ratings.

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