Movie Description
The Penitent
(1988)Overview
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.
Featured Crew
- Director : Cliff Osmond
- Writer : Cliff Osmond
- Cast : Raúl Juliá,Armand Assante,Martin LaSalle,Rona De Ricci,Julie Carmen,Demián Bichir,Tina Romero,Justo Martínez,Enrique Novi
Cast
Ramon Guerola
Juan Mateo
Miguel
Celia Guerola
Corina
Roberto
Susana
Enfermero
Jose
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Facts
Original TitleThe Penitent
Status Released
Release Information
-
1988-05-27
Original LanguageEnglish
Runtime 01h 30m
Production CompaniesThe Vista Organization,Ithaca
Genres
- Horror
- Drama
- Thriller
- Crime
