The Penitent

  • 1988 (MX, US)
  • 1h 30m

VIEWERS RATING

6.6

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5

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Storyline

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.

Genres

  • Crime
  • Drama
  • Horror
  • Thriller

Details

Release date

1988-05-27 (United States)

Countries of origin

  • Mexico
  • United States of America

Language

  • English

Also known as

The Penitent

Filming locations

  • Mexico
  • United States of America

Production companies

  • The Vista Organization
  • Ithaca

Box office

Revenue

$0.00

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