“The Curse of La Llorona” introduces a new entity to “The Conjuring” universe. La Llorona or the weeping woman is unlike Valak and Annabelle in that she did start out as a human. She was once a beautiful woman named Maria who fell in love and started a family. But everything changed when her spouse was unfaithful. Maria was furious and, in a fit of rage, she exacted her revenge, taking away the thing he cherished most: his children. Stricken with grief, Maria wept tears of sorrow until she was laid to rest. But even in death, she was not able to find solace. Now she seeks out children to fulfill the role of her boys.

Not only does this legend exist in “The Conjuring” universe but in our universe as well. La Llorona “has been a part of Hispanic culture in the Southwest since the days of the conquistadores.” And like most folklore, the story varies from person to person. The boys’ untimely fate has been said to be the result of poor supervision or neglect. People have also speculated that “she kills indiscriminately, taking men, women and children — whoever is foolish enough to get close enough to her.”

This legend makes for a good horror movie because it is familiar and familial. The twisted relationship between a mother and her sons has been a horror genre trope since Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” The majority of the audience can relate to familiar familial bonds that the family shares in the film. And any time you can relate a text to your own life, the better you’re able to understand and enjoy it.

Since the concepts were more familiar and familial in “The Curse of La Llorona,” I give the film an 8 out of 10. One point more than I gave “The Nun.”

If you’re a fan of “The Conjuring” universe like I am, get ready for the release of “Annabelle Comes Home” on June 28 and “The Conjuring 3” in 2020.