Movie

The Penitent

★ 6.6(5)19881h 30m

The Penitent isn't available to stream, rent or buy in Mexico right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 14 June 2026.

Where to watch The Penitent

🇲🇽 Mexico

No streaming, rental or purchase options are listed in Mexico right now. Availability changes often — try switching your region in the header.

Good to know

Director: Cliff Osmond
Release date: 1988-05-27
Runtime: 1h 30m
Language: English
Status: Released
Country: Mexico
Studio: The Vista Organization

About The Penitent

The Penitent is a 1988 movie in the Horror, Drama and Thriller genres, directed by Cliff Osmond, starring Raúl Juliá, Armand Assante and Martin LaSalle. It has a runtime of 1 hour 30 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.6/10 from 5 viewers. Below you can see where to watch The Penitent in Mexico — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

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.

Cast

Raúl Juliá

Ramon Guerola

Armand Assante

Juan Mateo

Martin LaSalle

Miguel

Rona De Ricci

Celia Guerola

Julie Carmen

Corina

Demián Bichir

Roberto

Tina Romero

Susana

Justo Martínez

Enfermero

Enrique Novi

Jose

Themes & keywords

blasphemypassion playmocking faith

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Penitent in Mexico?+

The Penitent is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in Mexico. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is The Penitent on Netflix?+

The Penitent is not on Netflix in Mexico right now.

How long is The Penitent?+

The Penitent has a runtime of 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

Who stars in The Penitent?+

The Penitent stars Raúl Juliá, Armand Assante, Martin LaSalle, Rona De Ricci and Julie Carmen.

When did The Penitent come out?+

The Penitent is a 1988 movie directed by Cliff Osmond.

What genre is The Penitent?+

The Penitent is Horror, Drama, Thriller and Crime film.

Who directed The Penitent?+

The Penitent was directed by Cliff Osmond.