Plot
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.
Trailer
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Cast
Raúl Juliá
Ramon Guerola
Armand Assante
Juan Mateo
Martin LaSalle
Miguel
Rona De Ricci
Celia Guerola
Julie Carmen
Corina
Demián Bichir
Roberto
Tina Romero
Susana
Justo Martínez
Enfermero
Enrique Novi
Jose
