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.
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📋 Film Details
| Year | 1988 |
| Country | Mexico, United States of America |
| Genre | Horror, Drama, Thriller, Crime |
| Director | Cliff Osmond |
| Runtime | 90 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 6.6/10 (5 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
The Penitent has mixed reviews with a rating of 6.6/10. Good for a relaxed evening without high expectations.
Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.
A classic from 1988. They don't make them like this anymore — which is exactly why you should watch it. Best for: viewers looking to try something new without being too demanding.
— MovieFinder Editorial
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