Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
I’ve been on the hunt for this one for a while y’all. I missed it on Tubi, but was able to catch some Carlos Enrique Taboada’s flicks like Hasta El Viento Tiene Miedo (Even the Wind is Afraid) on Vix or YouTube, but alas! It’s on Shudder! I’ve been waiting for Veneno Para Las Hadas (Poison for the Faeries) for quite some time and I was finally able to check it out.
Taboada’s movies have been a source of cozy viewing for me for many years. I first encountered Taboada as a child. I could not sleep one night so I ventured over to the living room where I found my grandmother watching El Libro De Piedra (The Book of Stone), a film that has haunted me for over thirty years. This week’s strange and fantastic tale lives up to years of expectations. Let’s take a look at Veneno Para Las Hadas (1986).
Veneno Para Las Hadas is a suspenseful fairy tale that examines the dangers of a vivid imagination and loneliness. Veronica (Ana Patricia Rojo) is an only child who was left in the care of her aunt after her parents passed away. Carried away by bedtime stories of witches and magic, Ana takes solace in these stories and uses them to empower herself among her peers. Much like a heroine in her bedtime stories, the orphaned Veronica has an enormous house at her disposal and learns the power of mean girl manipulation at an early age.
Veronica’s outlandish stories make an impression on Flavia (Elsa Maria), the new girl at school who is wealthy and lonely. She comes from a no nonsense but loving household where she is doted on, but grounded in reality. Veronica is set on making Flavia believe that she is a witch and must therefore do as she says.
Flavia does not believe her, but is finally fooled when Veronica plays a mean trick on her that makes her feel truly afraid for what seems like the first time in her young life. Veronica preys on Flavia’s naïveté and soon has her believing that she must do Veronica’s bidding in order to preserve her safety. Flavia resorts to extreme measures for self preservation, which lead to the film’s shocking conclusion.
Taboada employs some simple but effective tactics in this film. The adults’ faces are never shown, only their voices are heard. In fact, the only time faces are revealed is for the purpose of instilling fear in the audience. This proves useful when Ana pulls off the prank that breaks Flavia’s sensible demeanor. This also works against her when a face reveal serves to put her in trouble with her parents.
The screenwriting and direction is atmospheric and embraces the fairy tales aesthetic. Veronica is set up as a heroine, but it is revealed she is really the wicked witch. Ana Patricia Rojo’s portrayal of Veronica is both endearing and spellbinding. Rojo has a natural charm that makes her the perfect mischief maker while also setting up her as a true villain.
Veneno Para Las Hadas is an intriguing film that draws in the audience from its mysterious start to finish. Watch this with your meanest friend and then be sure to scare them before the film is over. They probably have it coming.
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