IMDb
6.6 /10
185 votes

Horror · Drama · Thriller · Crime · 1988 · 1h 30min
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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IMDb
6.6 /10
185 votes
Rotten Tomatoes
The tomato isn't ripe
Metacritic took the day off
TMDB
6.6 /10
5 votes
Letterboxd
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Weighted average
6.6/10