Film Analysis: Veronica (2017) – Spain’s Chilling Take on Demonic Possession
Directed by Paco Plaza, one of the minds behind the acclaimed [REC] franchise, Veronica (2017) is a Spanish supernatural horror film that quickly earned a reputation as one of the scariest films on Netflix. Loosely inspired by a real-life paranormal case from Madrid in 1991, the movie offers a haunting blend of teenage vulnerability, spiritual terror, and emotional trauma—all wrapped in the shadow of demonic possession.
The story follows 15-year-old Verónica (played with raw intensity by Sandra Escacena), a responsible yet emotionally burdened teenager caring for her younger siblings in the wake of her father’s death. When her schoolmates coax her into conducting a séance using a Ouija board during a solar eclipse, she attempts to contact her father’s spirit. However, something far darker answers the call. From that moment on, Veronica begins to experience disturbing visions, physical attacks, and an overwhelming sense of dread.
What sets Veronica apart from typical possession films is its emphasis on psychological tension over jump scares. Paco Plaza builds a deeply immersive atmosphere using dim lighting, claustrophobic interiors, and subtle sound design that amplifies the growing sense of unease. The horror doesn't explode suddenly—it seeps in, like smoke under a door.
Sandra Escacena's breakout performance is one of the film’s strongest elements. As Veronica spirals into terror and isolation, her portrayal remains grounded and emotionally resonant. Unlike many horror protagonists, she is neither naïve nor reckless—her actions are driven by a desperate need to protect her family. This makes her suffering more affecting, and the horror more personal.
The film’s connection to the real-life “Vallecas case”—in which a teenage girl named Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro reportedly died after experiencing unexplained seizures and paranormal occurrences—adds a layer of intrigue. Police reports allegedly documented strange activity at her residence, making Veronica one of the few horror films inspired by officially recorded supernatural claims.
Thematically, the movie explores adolescent loneliness, grief, and the pressure of premature adulthood. Veronica is not just battling a demon—she’s also grappling with the emotional weight of a fractured home, an overworked mother, and the responsibilities of raising three younger siblings. The demonic force in the film may symbolize this overwhelming burden, making the horror as psychological as it is paranormal.
Though some viewers found the pacing too slow or the narrative too ambiguous, Veronica received critical acclaim for its craftsmanship and emotional depth. It was nominated for multiple Goya Awards (Spain’s equivalent of the Oscars), including Best New Actress and Best Director.
In conclusion, Veronica (2017) is a standout entry in the modern horror genre—eerie, emotionally intelligent, and deeply unsettling. By rooting its supernatural scares in real-world trauma and character-driven storytelling, it delivers more than just fear—it offers a haunting portrait of a young girl trapped between life, death, and the unknown.
