Veronica

Veronica tries to blend supernatural horror with a touch of realism, but it stumbles along the way. While it contains some genuinely creepy moments, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Haunting in 90s Madrid

Set in the early 1990s in Madrid, Veronica follows a teenage girl, played by Sandra Escacena, who attempts to communicate with her deceased father through a séance at school. Shortly after, she returns home to take care of her younger siblings, only to find that something sinister might have entered their lives. As strange occurrences begin to unfold, Veronica battles with a malevolent force while trying to protect her family. The story is loosely based on a true event, which lends it an eerie resonance, but ultimately feels like a cliché haunted-house narrative with predictable twists.

Performances That Miss the Mark

Sandra Escacena delivers a commendable performance as Veronica, bringing a sense of authenticity to her character's fear and desperation. However, the supporting cast, including Bruna González as Lucía and Claudia Placer as Irene, often feel underdeveloped and do little to elevate the emotional stakes. A lack of depth in the sibling characters makes it hard to fully invest in their fates, and some of the adults, like Ana Torrent's character, feel underutilized. The film could have benefited from more nuanced portrayals to enhance the tension.

Atmosphere Over Action

Paco Plaza’s direction effectively captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of the apartment, with dim lighting and unsettling sound design contributing to the creeping dread. The visuals are generally strong, relying on shadow and the occasional jump scare to create tension. However, the pacing drags in certain scenes, resulting in moments that feel overly drawn out. The film's reliance on typical horror conventions—like unexplained noises and flickering lights—sometimes detracts from its originality. A more innovative approach to the visuals could have set it apart in the crowded horror genre.

Tension That Tapers Off

Watching Veronica can be a mixed bag; there are genuine moments of suspense, but also stretches that feel tedious. The film’s attempt to balance family dynamics with horror sometimes leads to drawn-out scenes that detract from the overall urgency. A lack of clear stakes for many of the characters makes it difficult to feel fully invested in their plight. While there are some effective jump scares, the emotional weight is often sacrificed for cheap thrills. This could leave viewers feeling frustrated rather than terrified.