Estela (2024) by Adrián Araujo: The Haunting Echoes of Maternal Longing

Short Summary: A Dream Home Turns into a Living Nightmare Estela is a chilling psychological horror-drama that follows Susana and Jorge, a couple seeking peace and the chance to start a family in a secluded lakeside house. Their dream quickly sours as they encounter increasingly disturbing paranormal phenomena, culminating in the appearance of a malevolent presence and the ghost of a child named Estela, who desperately craves a mother's love. The film delves into themes of unspoken trauma, the yearning for motherhood, and the dark forces that can be awakened by deep emotional needs.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29902854/

About movie: https://sitgesfilmfestival.com/en/film/2024/estela

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/estela (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/estela (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/estela (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/estela (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/estela (France), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/estela (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/estela (Germany)

Detailed Summary: A Couple's Hope Interrupted by a Spectral Child Estela is a haunting exploration of psychological distress and supernatural intrusion.

• The film centers on Susana and Jorge, a couple who move to an isolated house by a lake with the hope of starting a family. Susana, in particular, has a deep-seated desire to become a mother, having faced previous difficulties.

• Their idyllic new home, meant to provide peace and a conducive environment for pregnancy, soon becomes a source of dread as strange paranormal phenomena begin to manifest.

• These disturbances gradually escalate, moving from subtle occurrences to more overt and terrifying events.

• The source of the haunting is eventually revealed to be an evil presence and the ghost of a young girl named Estela, who appears to be desperately seeking a mother's love and connection.

• The film explores Susana's growing obsession with becoming pregnant, which appears to draw the attention of this spectral child.

• The narrative is structured as a psychological thriller with strong horror elements, intertwining Susana's emotional struggles with the escalating supernatural threat.

Director's Vision: Unveiling Trauma Through Paranormal Horror Adrián Araujo, making his directorial debut with Estela, brings a vision that blends psychological depth with classic horror tropes.

• Araujo aims to create a psychological thriller with a paranormal tint, using supernatural elements to externalize the internal struggles and unhealed traumas of his characters.

• As the cinematographer of the film as well, Araujo likely crafted a distinct visual style to enhance the eerie atmosphere of the lakeside house and the ghostly presence within.

• The director seems to explore how the deeply rooted desires and unresolved issues of the protagonists, particularly Susana's obsession with motherhood, can create vulnerabilities that attract malevolent forces.

• The film's setting, an isolated house by a lake, is integral to the vision, emphasizing the characters' increasing isolation as the horror intensifies.

• Araujo appears to focus on building a gradual sense of dread, allowing the paranormal phenomena to escalate, thereby increasing the tension and fear for the audience.

Themes: Motherhood, Trauma, and the Echoes of the Past Estela explores a powerful combination of personal and supernatural themes.

• The Desire for Motherhood and its Obsession: A central theme is Susana's intense longing to become a mother. The film delves into how this powerful desire, when unfulfilled, can lead to obsession and potentially open doors to the supernatural.

• Unresolved Trauma and Ghosts of the Past: The paranormal activity and the appearance of Estela's ghost are directly linked to unhealed "ghosts of the past" within the characters, particularly Susana. The film suggests that psychological trauma can manifest in terrifying external forms.

• The Haunted Home as a Metaphor: The secluded lakeside house is not just a setting but a metaphorical space where the characters' inner turmoil and external supernatural forces converge, becoming a prison for their fears and desires.

• Loss and Longing: The ghost of Estela, a child desperate for a mother's love, embodies themes of loss and unfulfilled longing, mirroring, and perhaps preying upon, Susana's own desires.

• Nature and Isolation: The isolated lakeside setting contributes to the psychological tension, emphasizing the characters' removal from the outside world and their increasing reliance on each other (or lack thereof) as the terror unfolds.

Key Success Factors: Psychological Depth Meets Supernatural Dread Estela's potential for success lies in its blend of character-driven drama and classic horror elements.

• Relatable Core Conflict: The universal theme of a couple wanting to start a family, especially with the added challenge of previous difficulties, provides a strong emotional hook for the audience.

• Psychological Horror Elements: The film's focus on the mental state of the protagonist and how trauma or obsession can invite supernatural elements can resonate deeply with viewers who appreciate nuanced horror.

• Creepy, Atmospheric Setting: A secluded lakeside house is an inherently unsettling location for a horror film, promising an isolated and claustrophobic atmosphere.

• Mystery and Suspense: The gradual escalation of paranormal events and the mystery surrounding Estela's identity and intentions build suspense and keep the audience engaged.

• International Appeal: Being a co-production between Mexico and Spain, with a diverse international cast, gives the film a broader reach and perspective.

Awards and Nominations: A Promising Debut at Sitges Estela made a significant splash by having its world premiere at the Sitges Film Festival (57th International Film Festival of Catalonia) in 2024. This is a major achievement for a horror film, as Sitges is one of the most prestigious genre film festivals in the world. The film was also nominated for Best Film in the Panorama section at Sitges, highlighting its critical recognition and promising debut.

Critics Reception: An Ambitious Yet Familiar Haunting Early critical reception for Estela highlights its ambition and technical competence, though some found its narrative familiar.

• Filmaffinity: One review describes it as "technically solvent and with adjusted performances," noting that the film's intention is to "explore themes of abandonment and unconditional love, using paranormal elements to reflect the internal struggles of the characters." However, it also mentions that "the lack of ambition of the proposal makes it a film as well-intentioned as it is forgettable," suggesting a strong execution of familiar concepts rather than groundbreaking innovation.

• Festival Scope Pro: Mentions that Adrián Araujo, trained as a director of photography, made his directorial debut with Estela, which premiered at Sitges, suggesting a strong visual foundation for the film.

• Informador.mx: Reports that the film is a "psychological thriller with a paranormal tint," and highlights the script's focus on "Susana; a woman who has not managed to heal the ghosts of her past and they finally reach her." They also commend the international co-production and cast for giving it an "international look."

• Overall Summary: Critics acknowledge Estela's strong technical aspects and its exploration of compelling themes like maternal longing and unhealed trauma through paranormal elements. While some appreciate its atmospheric horror and psychological depth, others suggest it might adhere a bit too closely to established genre tropes, making it a well-executed but perhaps not entirely revolutionary entry.

Reviews: A Tense and Emotionally Charged Horror General audience and early platform reviews indicate that Estela delivers on its promise of a suspenseful and emotionally charged horror experience.

• IMDb: Currently holds a rating of 7.3/10 based on 18 user ratings, which suggests a generally positive reception from early viewers who have seen the film.

• MovieMeter.nl: Lists a user rating of 7.3/10 based on 18 votes, aligning with the IMDb score and indicating a favorable response among those who have engaged with the film.

• Prime Video: The film is available on Prime Video in some regions, with its genre listed as "Horror" and "Drama," and a rating of 16+, indicating content suitable for mature audiences.

• Overall Summary: Reviews generally point to Estela being a solid horror-drama that effectively builds tension and explores its themes. While a broader consensus is still forming, initial feedback suggests it resonates with viewers looking for a film that combines supernatural scares with a compelling human story, particularly concerning the complexities of motherhood and past trauma.

Release date on streaming: October 3, 2024 (Initial Release / Prime Video) Estela had its initial digital release on October 3, 2024. It is currently available to rent or purchase on Prime Video in some territories. However, its availability varies by region, and it might not be accessible in all countries (e.g., not available in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand as of mid-July 2025 without a VPN).

Theatrical Release: Festival Premiere and Limited Engagements Estela had its world premiere at the Sitges Film Festival in October 2024. This was its primary theatrical exposure. As a co-production, it's expected to have some limited theatrical releases in its originating countries (Mexico and Spain) following its festival run, but it appears to be largely geared towards digital distribution.

Why to watch this movie: For a Haunting Psychological Dive Estela is a compelling watch for viewers who appreciate horror with a strong psychological core and a focus on character.

• Genuinely Creepy Atmosphere: The film excels at building a pervasive sense of unease and dread within its isolated lakeside setting.

• Exploration of Deep Human Emotion: It delves into the powerful and sometimes terrifying desire for motherhood, and how past traumas can manifest in unexpected and frightening ways.

• Character-Driven Horror: If you prefer horror that focuses on the internal struggles of its characters rather than just jump scares, Estela offers a more nuanced experience.

• Strong Directorial Debut: Adrián Araujo's first feature film showcases a promising talent with a clear vision for blending drama and the supernatural.

• Festival Recognition: Its premiere and nomination at the prestigious Sitges Film Festival indicate its quality and appeal within the genre community.

What Movie Trend film is following: Elevated Horror / Trauma Horror Estela clearly aligns with the Elevated Horror or Trauma Horror trend. This contemporary subgenre of horror uses supernatural or shocking events as metaphors for psychological distress, grief, trauma, or societal anxieties. Rather than solely relying on jump scares, these films delve deeper into the human condition, often exploring how internal pain manifests externally. Estela's focus on Susana's unhealed past and her desperate desire for motherhood, which appears to draw the ghostly child, perfectly exemplifies this trend.

What Big Social Trend is following: Mental Health Awareness and the Weight of Societal Expectations Estela touches upon the significant social trend of increased awareness surrounding mental health and the pressures of societal expectations, particularly around family and reproduction. Susana's intense desire for motherhood, coupled with her past "ghosts," highlights the immense emotional burden that can come with societal pressures to have children and the personal trauma of infertility or loss. The film, through its horror elements, externalizes these internal struggles, speaking to the broader conversation about the psychological impact of unfulfilled desires and unspoken grief.

Final Verdict: A Poignant and Perturbing Debut Adrián Araujo's Estela marks a promising debut, delivering a poignant and perturbing horror-drama that distinguishes itself through its psychological depth. While its narrative may traverse familiar haunted house territory, the film's strength lies in its exploration of profound human emotions—the yearning for motherhood, unresolved trauma, and the insidious ways the past can haunt the present. For those seeking a horror film that offers more than just scares, delving into the unsettling complexities of the human psyche, Estela provides a captivating and unsettling experience