‘Veronica’: The True Story, Explained

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Starting a horror movie with the message “based on a true story” is a classic way to create fear. Even if filmmakers change details, knowing that some of the scary events actually happened to someone makes the movie even more terrifying. The 2017 Spanish horror film Veronica used this approach and quickly gained a reputation as one of the scariest movies on Netflix, spreading through recommendations.

Set in 1991 Madrid, the movie Veronica centers on a teenage girl named Veronica and her friends. The story starts with the group trying to contact spirits during a séance – Veronica hopes to speak with her deceased father, and a friend wants to reach her late boyfriend. This leads to a terrifying series of events, as Veronica becomes possessed by a demonic force determined to torment her and everyone she cares about.

The 2017 horror film Veronica was directed by Paco Plaza, the director behind the popular [REC] found-footage series. The film is loosely based on a real event – the alleged possession of Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro, often referred to as “the Vallecas case.” It’s important to note that details surrounding this case are based on stories and reports that sometimes conflict or lack clear sources, so separating fact from fiction can be difficult.

Who Was Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro?

Her Tale of Demonic Possession Would Inspire ‘Veronica’


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The movie Veronica is based on the true story of Estefanía, an 18-year-old student from Vallecas who lived with her large family. She had a typical teenage life with friends, but became increasingly fascinated by the occult. This led her and two friends to try and contact the spirit of a deceased classmate’s boyfriend using a Ouija board, after he tragically died in a motorcycle accident.

The group started using a Ouija board, and the girls who were there said strange things happened. The pointer on the board reportedly flew around and then broke. While they weren’t able to contact the spirit of Estefanía’s deceased boyfriend, smoke came from the board. Estefanía breathed in this smoke, and many believe this is what led to her later becoming possessed.

Their game was stopped when a nun confronted them, concerned about what she believed was a dark practice. She confiscated and destroyed the game board. After this unusual incident, Estefanía’s life was forever altered by unexplained, paranormal occurrences. It seemed this haunting legacy continued, affecting her family even after her death, as they also experienced similar events.

Is ‘Veronica’ Based on a True Story?

The Alleged Story Behind the Film


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The story of the Vallecas Case has fascinated those interested in the unsettling and mysterious, but so far, no one has been able to figure out what caused Estefanía’s health to decline. Was it something supernatural, or an undiagnosed medical issue? The truth is still unknown, although her brothers now believe she died from an epileptic seizure. However, many believe her problems began after she used a Ouija board, leading to violent seizures and hallucinations, according to reports from Ghost Watch.

Estefanía described seeing and experiencing things that weren’t real, believing that evil shadows were moving around her room and causing her distress. This was followed by seizures, trouble sleeping, and strange behavior, including scratching at walls, barking like an animal, and becoming aggressive towards others. Despite getting worse, doctors couldn’t find any physical or mental illness to explain what was happening. After nearly six months, Estefanía was found dead in her hospital bed; the autopsy determined she died of cardiac arrest.

Following Estefanía Lázaro’s unexpected passing, her family was plagued by strange occurrences. They frequently heard screams and laughter, and her belongings in her room were often thrown around. Doors and windows would slam shut on their own, and scratches appeared on the walls. A dark shape seemed to move throughout the house, and furniture was damaged. Electrical items would turn on and off inexplicably. Once, a photo of Estefanía fell and mysteriously burned, while the frame and a nearby crucifix remained untouched.

The Lázaro family, deeply upset by what was happening, contacted Inspector José Negri for help. During their investigation, police found something strange in the house – they even felt a sudden chill and reported possible paranormal activity. However, the investigation didn’t solve anything and didn’t bring the family any peace. Finally, feeling they had no other option, they sold the house and moved away.

The strange events of the Vallecas Case continue to fascinate those interested in the paranormal. One popular theory, shared by the YouTube channel The Paranormal Scholar, suggests that Estefanía’s grandfather might have been responsible. The theory centers around his alleged deathbed words to her: “If I cannot harm you in this life, I will do it in the next one.” This chilling claim is just one of the many speculations surrounding the case, which later served as inspiration for the film Veronica.

How Does ‘Veronica’ Differ From the Actual Events?


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Much of the Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro case remains a mystery, with even seemingly small details – like whether she held a Ouija board séance with friends or by herself – and major questions, such as how she died, still being debated. This uncertainty is a big reason why people are so fascinated by the case, and why it’s such compelling material for a horror film.

Director Paco Plaza, working with Veronica, significantly updated the story while still using key ideas from the original. For example, the film features the classic Ouija board summoning, complete with a nun’s warning. However, the movie also deviates from the source material – in this version, Estefanía’s father is alive when she begins to suffer, and her ordeal lasts for months instead of just a few days.

With a movie like Veronica, which relies on dramatic reveals, unsettling moments, and sudden scares, some things are naturally exaggerated for effect. The 2017 film did include details based on what supposedly happened – like unexplained shadows, eerie screams, Veronica’s strange actions, her inability to sleep, and fits – but it’s important to remember that it’s a highly fictionalized version of the story.

The movie Veronica is based on actual events, but the details of the case it portrays are still unclear and subject to different understandings.

Where To Watch ‘Veronica’


Netflix

Even years after it came out, Veronica is still considered one of the most frightening horror movies in recent memory, and it’s a standout title on Netflix. If you’re a horror fan, it’s a must-watch – the film expertly builds suspense and uses jump scares effectively, avoiding the feeling of being overly reliant on cheap thrills. As a Netflix original, you can only stream Veronica on their platform.

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2025-12-05 06:34