Plot Summary
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.
Full Cast & Characters
Director & Crew
Cliff Osmond
Director
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Penitent online?
The Penitent (1988) is available to stream on various platforms. You can also watch it online via our Watch Online button.
What is the IMDb rating of The Penitent?
It has an IMDb rating of 6.6/10 based on 5 votes.
Who directed The Penitent?
The Penitent was directed by Cliff Osmond and released in 1988.
How long is The Penitent?
The Penitent has a runtime of 1 hours and 30 minutes.
Movie Details
- Release Date
- 1988-05-27
- Status
- Released