The Penitent
The Penitent (1988) isn’t faith-affirming drama—it’s lurid exploitation mocking Catholic penitents. In a devout New Mexico/Mexico village reenacting Christ’s Passion (flagellation, crucifixion), jealous husband Ramon (Raúl Juliá) joins fanatical Penitentes while his virginal wife Celia falls for ex-con friend Juan (Armand Assante), sparking deadly love triangle amid rituals. Directed by Cliff Osmond, it sensationalizes "primitive brutal" self-mortification as barbaric cult, blending sex, betrayal, and gore—not exploring redemption or biblical penance. Secular gaze shames Hispanic Catholic traditions as repressed pathology. Cherry-picks extremism to caricature piety, ignoring healthy devotion. Obscure PG-13 thriller for grindhouse fans, not believers.
Top Cast
More Like This
MOV
⭐ 7.5
MOV
⭐ 3.9
MOV
⭐ 4.6
MOV
⭐ 7.8
MOV
MOV
⭐ 7.4
MOV
MOV
⭐ 6.7
MOV
⭐ 6.9
MOV
⭐ 5.9
MOV
⭐ 6.9
MOV
⭐ 5.6