It’s categorized as a horror movie but it is more of a hyper-realistic drama mixed with magical realism. There isn’t enough explanation for fantasy but the striking contrast between the dangerous and dire situations of the street orphans and the fantasy horror elements was enough to enjoy the movie. Similarly, the movie runs through a wide spectrum of emotions all the way from heartwarming care and affection between children and the brutal murder of them by drug cartel members.

Part of the reason the magical elements lacked explanation was that the three wishes (potentially) given to the main character Estrella had dual meanings. In one way they made what she wanted happen and helped her connect with others, but at the same time they brought tragic and terrifying consequences. The argument between her and Shine about whether the wishes were true made me think about the hopes that the victims of kidnapping in Mexico may carry. The importance of the wishes is not about whether they were fulfilled but they help people have something to live for.

If we want to continue calling this movie a horror, the reason might not be the ghosts but the poor situations these kids faced. It is always difficult to watch little children suffer on screen, but in a way I appreciate the movie didn’t sugarcoat the reality. I keep thinking about the trail of blood following Estrella throughout the movie, which was ominous but in a way, played a role of warning sign. It may imply that for these kids, death is something that can strike at any time, but at the same time it guides them for a better chance of survival.