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.

Equipo

Director

Cliff Osmond

Guionista

Cliff Osmond

Compositor

Alex North

Director de fotografía

RV

Robin Vidgeon

Reparto

Raúl Juliá

Ramon Guerola

Armand Assante

Juan Mateo

Martin LaSalle

Miguel

RD

Rona De Ricci

Celia Guerola

Julie Carmen

Corina

Demián Bichir

Roberto

Tina Romero

Susana

Justo Martínez

Enfermero

Enrique Novi

Jose

Imágenes

Posters