Name: The Penitent
Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Crime
Released: 1988-05-27
Duration: 90 min
Cast: Raúl Juliá, Armand Assante, Martin LaSalle, Rona De Ricci, Julie Carmen

Question 1

When was The Penitent released?

Accepted Answer

The Penitent was released on May 27, 1988.

Question 2

Who directed The Penitent?

Accepted Answer

The Penitent was directed by Cliff Osmond.

Question 3

Who is in the cast of The Penitent?

Accepted Answer

The main cast of The Penitent includes Raúl Juliá, Armand Assante, Martin LaSalle, Rona De Ricci, Julie Carmen.

Question 4

What is the plot of The Penitent?

Accepted Answer

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.

The Penitent

Storyline

Score Distribution

Details

Top Cast

Recommended Movies