Luciferina (2018) is an Argentinian supernatural horror film written and directed by Gonzalo Calzada. Blending religious symbolism, psychological trauma, and traditional horror elements, the film offers a distinctive and unsettling cinematic experience. As the first installment in a planned trilogy, Luciferina sets a daring tone with its exploration of faith, fear, and inner darkness.
The story follows Natalia, a young novice in a convent, who returns home after learning of her mother’s sudden death. Haunted by disturbing visions and a troubled family history, Natalia becomes entangled in a mysterious spiritual journey that forces her to confront both personal trauma and ancient forces beyond her understanding. As she seeks clarity and healing, she and a group of friends travel deep into the jungle, where a sacred ritual intended for purification opens the door to something far more terrifying.
Visually rich and atmospherically intense, Luciferina stands out for its layered storytelling and cultural depth. The film weaves elements of Catholic iconography with indigenous spiritual practices, creating a unique blend of mysticism and horror that challenges traditional genre boundaries. Its cinematography is both haunting and poetic, using light, shadow, and natural environments to build suspense and unease.
Sofía Del Tuffo delivers a striking performance as Natalia, portraying a character torn between spiritual devotion and personal identity. The supporting cast enhances the film’s emotional weight, with each character contributing to the broader themes of belief, guilt, and transformation.
Luciferina is not a conventional horror film—it is a psychological and spiritual descent into the unknown. It invites viewers to reflect on the nature of good and evil, the fragility of the human soul, and the thin line between salvation and damnation. Bold, provocative, and deeply atmospheric, Luciferina marks a significant entry in Latin American horror cinema.