Horror Channel Frightfest Review: Veronica

By Mike Fragnito

A middle aged recluse psychologist who has stopped practicing years ago decides to take the case of Veronica, a young woman who’s treatment was mysteriously interrupted by the Psychologists old professor, whom has disappeared. As a condition, the Psychologist requires Veronica to stay with her in her country house for the duration of the treatment. Here, they will both discover what lies behind their deepest secrets.

This is the synopsis of the psychological thriller Veronica provided by the filmmakers. I thought it best to let their description of the film to speak for itself, as the less someone knows going in the better. While I didn’t find there to be a strong element of surprise in the ultimate payoff, and some may even find it a little too familiar, getting there was quite enjoyable. The director/screenwriter partners Carlos Algara & Alejandro Martinez-Beltran from Mexico have an obvious affinity for cinema’s best psychological thrillers, including Hitchcock’s countless offerings, or Polanski’s loosely connected apartment films. There is even a scene that pays direct homage to one of Hitch’s most famous sequences.

Olga Segura (also a producer) as Veronica and Arcelia Ramirez as the Psychologist are both quite good and carry the film with ease—watching them play off of one another becomes a joy as they perform their way into increasingly bizarre scenarios as their patient/doctor relationship veers off the tracks of normalcy. The real star of the film however, is the at times dazzling photography work. Mostly photographed in mesmerizing black and white, the cinematography of Miguel Angel Gonzalez Avila produces  images that are at times hypnotic and able to produce a genuine uneasiness in the viewer. While Veronica may leave some frustrated with the lack of originality, the visuals do not disappoint and are at times breathtaking to interact with.

For better or worse, psychology often makes for interesting characters and unique opportunities for a filmmaker, even though some may understandably find the mental illness as entertainment aspect problematic. Even though Veronica may seem rudimentary story wise, it’s an entertaining experience and the feature debut of a talented filmmaker duo you should see, as they are sure to produce even better films in the future.