The Penitent
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.
Release date
27/05/1988
Votes
5
Popularity
1.0
Original Soundtrack
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Sirens
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Lunacy
The Last Supper
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Jesus Christ Superstar
Multiple Maniacs
Jesus of Montreal
The Passion
One Fast Move
Long Live Death
The Playground
The Duel
Swipe
The Lawton Story
The Children of Golgatha