Dir. Paco Plaza | Now Streaming On: Netflix | Rating: 4/5

Dubbed by some as “Netflix’s scariest film ever,” Veronica is loosely based on the true story of Estefania Gutierrez Lazaro, who mysteriously died after using a ouija board in Madrid 30 years ago. The case still remains unsolved in Spain, which makes this artistic retelling particularly chilling. Depending on who you ask, however, there is some controversy whether or not the paranormal was ever truly at work in the Lazaro case. Many have chalked this up to Spain’s version of The Amityville Horror. (But if you’re anything like me, Amityville definitely really happened. So, what are we to believe with the Lazaro case?)⁠
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Lore of this film aside, Veronica is a chilling and unsettling film that hyper focuses on the torment of the titular character as she unwinds into a demonic possession. Sandra Escacena gives an entirely believable performance as a panicked 15-year old trying to right a very intense wrong, while grappling with the intense feelings of grief and her emergence into womanhood. The idea of the darkness behind womanhood is very present in the imagery of Veronica, as it is with most possession films featuring young girls. ⁠
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As this film has aged, it holds its own as a solid piece of the possession subgenre. But to echo many of the other reviews of this film, it may leave you feeling very “same-same” if you’re a connoisseur of this subgenre. It’s strong, but not a standout. ⁠
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Know Before You Watch: Features blood, religious imagery and themes, violence.