The Curse of La Llorona took a "Jaws approach" when creating its predatory spirit.
The latest addition to The Conjuring movie sees Anna (Linda Cardellini) and her family haunted by the Weeping Woman.
The tale based on the folklore and Mexican myth takes inspiration from different versions of the story as well as classic movies.
The film takes place in the 1970s in LA when the social worker and mum of two finds the spirit is intent on stealing her children.
Marisol Ramirez plays the creepy Weeping Woman.
“We really wanted someone terrifying, who could plumb the depths of this monster," said Michael Chaves speaking to Total Film . "La Llorona isn’t always very visible throughout the movie – I wanted to take the Jaws approach rather than, say, Freddy Krueger – but I wanted her to have this savagery that Marisol really brings to the part.”
The producers opted for a 70s setting because “the aesthetic is really cool” and pre-technology works better for investigating mysteries.
They also looked to The Changeling and Poltergeist for inspiration.
Chaves first pitched it to New Line as a "gritty Seven/Zodiac feel" but he admitted it now has a "Poltergeist vibe".
The new film is part of The Conjuring universe meaning Chaves worked with horror die hard James Wan.
There's also a new Conjuring offering coming with Annabelle Comes Home.
The Curse of La Llorona is released in cinemas on May 3.
