6.5
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About
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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Questions about The Penitent
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Is The Penitent worth watching?
65
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66/100 (IMDb 6.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Penitent?
1 h 30 min
The Penitent runs 1 h 30 min.
What language is The Penitent in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Mexico, United States.