Huesera: The Bone Woman is a horror film written by Michelle Garza Cervera and Abia Castillo. It is directed by Michelle Garza Cervera and stars Natalia Solián as Valeria, Alfonso Dosal as Raúl, and Mayra Batalla as Octavia. Additional cast includes Mercedes Hernández as Isabel, Aida López as Maricarmen, Martha Claudia Moreno as Ursula, Sonia Couoh as Vero, and Samantha Castillo as Carolina.

Huesera follows Valeria on her journey through motherhood. After trying to conceive with her partner Raúl, and even asking for a blessing from the Virgin Mary, Valeria finally receives the news that she’s pregnant. Her happiness is short-lived, as she begins being haunted by a faceless entity that threatens to consume her and her unborn child. Simultaneously, she faces pressures from her family, who instill doubt in her ability to raise a child. Constantly reminding her of a babysitting incident from Valeria’s past that resulted in a baby falling down the stairs.

Valeria begins spiraling under the pressure and is increasingly haunted by the faceless entity that only she can see. Seeking solace, she looks to the outcasts in her life, such as her aunt. Her aunt introduces her to a witch, who is able to provide temporary relief. Parts of her past also surface, with Valeria reigniting her relationship with her former lover, Octavia. After giving birth to her daughter, Valeria must participate in a ritual to save her and her daughter from the entity.

Huesera successfully captured the pressures that many women feel from society, as well as the struggles of peripartum depression. Natalia Solián was especially great as Valeria, displaying a range of emotions and true fear. The film suffered from some pacing issues, which made the film feel longer than its approximately 1 1/2-hour runtime. It is definitely a slow burn, with creepiness that sneaks up on you. I also enjoyed how the film incorporated Mexican folklore.

We give Huesera a 3.5/5 for its storytelling and creepy moments.