“Veronica” is a 2017 Spanish horror film directed by Paco Plaza. It has gained popularity for its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful story. Many viewers are curious if the film is based on real events or if it is purely fictional. The film is inspired by a real case that took place in Spain, which adds to its chilling nature. In this article, we will explore the true story behind the film, the events that influenced its creation, and how closely the movie follows reality.
The Plot of “Veronica”
Before diving into whether the film is based on real events, it’s important to understand the plot of “Veronica.” The story follows a teenage girl named Veronica, who, after using a Ouija board with her friends, becomes involved in a terrifying and dangerous supernatural experience. The film begins with Veronica attempting to contact her deceased father through the Ouija board. However, things quickly spiral out of control when she unknowingly invites a malevolent spirit into her life. Veronica is left to fight the entity while trying to protect her younger siblings. As the terror escalates, Veronica’s life becomes a nightmare.
The movie’s horror elements are centered around the paranormal activities that Veronica experiences after the Ouija session. The haunting presence manifests itself in disturbing ways, and Veronica struggles to keep herself and her family safe. The atmosphere in the film is dark and tense, and the storyline leaves viewers with a sense of unease and curiosity about the true story behind it.
Is “Veronica” Based on a True Story?
The short answer to whether “Veronica” is a true story is yes, but with significant fictional elements added for dramatic effect. The movie is loosely based on a real-life event that took place in Madrid, Spain, in the early 1990s. The incident involved a teenage girl named Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro, who experienced a terrifying series of events after using a Ouija board with her friends.
While the movie is inspired by Estefanía’s story, it should be noted that many aspects of the film are exaggerated for horror purposes. The supernatural elements, such as the possession and violent encounters with spirits, are not entirely reflective of what occurred in reality. The film uses creative liberties to enhance the suspense and terror, but it draws inspiration from the real-life tragedy that affected Estefanía’s family.
The Real-Life Case of Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro
The real story that inspired “Veronica” dates back to 1991. Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro, a 16-year-old girl from Madrid, reportedly used a Ouija board with her friends at school. According to reports, Estefanía and her friends were trying to contact spirits during a break at school. After using the board, Estefanía began experiencing strange occurrences, such as sudden mood swings, violent fits, and odd behavior. She allegedly fell into a state of mental distress and was reportedly tormented by visions and voices.
Estefanía’s family became concerned about her wellbeing, and her condition worsened over time. She was taken to doctors, but no medical explanation could account for her sudden change in behavior. The Gutiérrez family also reported that strange occurrences were happening in their home, including mysterious sounds and objects moving on their own. The family believed that Estefanía’s experiences were the result of supernatural forces.
Eventually, Estefanía passed away in 1992 under mysterious circumstances. Her family’s belief that she had been possessed by an evil spirit led to a police investigation. However, no clear cause of death was found, and the case was left unresolved. The events surrounding Estefanía’s life and death became a topic of local legend, and many believed that her encounter with the Ouija board had unleashed a malevolent spirit.
How the Film Departs from the True Story
While “Veronica” draws inspiration from Estefanía’s real-life experiences, the film takes significant creative liberties in its portrayal of the story. The most obvious difference is the addition of supernatural elements, such as demonic possession, ghostly appearances, and violent attacks. In reality, Estefanía’s case did not involve the extreme horror elements that are depicted in the film.
For example, the character of Veronica, in the film, is portrayed as a teenager who struggles to protect her siblings from a powerful spirit. In contrast, Estefanía’s family did not report such violent confrontations with spirits. While Estefanía’s mental health deteriorated, her family did not experience the same level of intense supernatural events as the family in the film.
The movie also introduces several characters that do not have direct counterparts in the real story. In the film, Veronica’s friends and the involvement of the Ouija board play central roles in the plot. However, Estefanía’s friends and the use of the Ouija board are only briefly mentioned in reports and are not the focal point of the real-life case.
Another key difference is the film’s portrayal of Veronica’s ultimate fate. In “Veronica,” the protagonist faces a violent and tragic ending after her struggle with the spirit. Estefanía, on the other hand, died under mysterious circumstances, but her death did not involve the same dramatic supernatural confrontation shown in the film.
The Role of the Ouija Board
One of the central themes in both the film and the real-life case is the use of the Ouija board. The Ouija board has long been associated with the supernatural, and many people believe that it can be used to communicate with spirits or summon entities from the afterlife. In the case of Estefanía, the Ouija board was reportedly used as a means of contacting spirits, but it is unclear whether it played a direct role in the tragic events that followed.
The Ouija board serves as the catalyst for the horror in “Veronica.” In the film, Veronica and her friends use the board to contact her deceased father, which unleashes a powerful and malevolent spirit. While the real-life case does involve the use of a Ouija board, there is no clear evidence to suggest that it caused Estefanía’s decline. The board is believed by some to be a gateway to the unknown, but in reality, there are many psychological and social factors that could explain Estefanía’s experiences.
The Mystery of Estefanía’s Death
The most unsettling aspect of the real-life case is the mystery surrounding Estefanía’s death. She passed away at the young age of 18, but the cause of her death was never conclusively determined. Some reports suggest that her death was the result of an unknown illness or possibly a psychological condition, but no medical evidence could confirm these theories. The family’s belief in possession and the supernatural adds to the eerie atmosphere surrounding the case.
The investigation into Estefanía’s death was never officially closed, and no conclusive answers were ever given. This lack of closure has led to widespread speculation and rumors, with some people believing that Estefanía’s death was a direct result of the Ouija board session. However, others argue that it was a tragic case of mental illness or another undiscovered medical condition.
In “Veronica,” the film takes the liberty of portraying a dramatic supernatural conclusion to the story, with the protagonist succumbing to the malevolent spirit. In reality, Estefanía’s death was far more ambiguous, leaving many questions unanswered.
Conclusion
“Veronica” is a chilling horror film that is loosely based on the real-life case of Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro. While the movie draws inspiration from the events that occurred in Spain in the early 1990s, it takes significant creative liberties to enhance the suspense and terror. The film’s supernatural elements, including possession and violent hauntings, are exaggerated for dramatic effect, and the real story of Estefanía’s life and death is much more mysterious and ambiguous.
Ultimately, the film’s strength lies in its ability to blend real-life events with fictional horror. While it may not be a true-to-life retelling, the eerie atmosphere and the psychological torment experienced by the characters are rooted in real experiences. “Veronica” serves as a reminder of the power of fear and the unknown, and it continues to captivate audiences with its chilling portrayal of the supernatural.
