La Llorona

In César Miguel Rondón's adaptation, a different origin story is presented. The fisherman Ismael (Félix Loreto) is unfaithful to his wife Cayita (Ana Karina) with a witch, Carmelina (Ileana Aloma). She swears revenge when she sees Ismael return to Cayita's arms and casts a curse that will cause the fisherman's death, setting his house on fire. Faced with the tragic event, Cayita, frightened, screams and begs the townspeople for help to save her son, who was inside the house when the fire started. Cayita's son dies alongside Ismael. It is then that she, crazed with grief, cries out for her son for eternity.

Directed by Renato Gutiérrez, César Miguel Rondón, La Llorona leans on a strong ensemble — Ana Karina Manco, Feliz Loreto, Pedro Durán — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about horror titles of 1991.