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.
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- English
- Production
- The Vista Organization, Ithaca
Cast
Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Penitent (1988) for free?
You can stream the full The Penitent movie (1988) right here on FlixWow in HD, completely free. No subscription, no signup, nothing to install.
What is The Penitent 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 (Arm…
Who stars in The Penitent?
The movie stars Raúl Juliá, Armand Assante, Martin LaSalle, Rona De Ricci, Julie Carmen and more.
When was The Penitent released?
The Penitent was released in 1988 and is streaming free on FlixWow.
Is The Penitent worth watching?
The Penitent holds a rating of 6.6/10 from viewer votes (5 ratings). Watch it free on FlixWow and judge for yourself.