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0 Written by Guadalupe Vial Ulloa
October 31st, widely celebrated and cherished as Halloween, also marks the conclusion of Canadian Latin American Heritage Month. This makes now, more than ever, the perfect chance to milk my two favourite topics: Latin American culture and horror. For that, I have compiled a list of unique, bone-chilling, thought-provoking, and, in some cases, comical Latin movies to watch this Halloween, all watched by and studied by yours.
Santa Sangre (1989)
Genre: Drama/Horror/Thriller
This is the first and oldest movie on this list. Many of us, including myself, are sometimes skeptical of older horror movies because of the quality of special effects and the overall management of the horror factor. But when I tell you this movie could not get any better, even if it were filmed today, I mean it. The Mexican-Italian masterpiece is a full-on fever dream with psychedelic, colourful, and loud imagery. You are in for a trip, as this almost magical element of the circus is mixed with the very raw, very real aspect of childhood trauma.
Good Manners (2017)
Genre: Fantasy/Horror
When I read the plot of this movie for the first time, I was skeptical. I – and this is my controversial opinion – am not the biggest fan of werewolf fiction, so I put my trust in the internet’s good reviews and gave it a chance. And I am so glad I did. This Brazilian film does not only bring to the screen a beautiful queer relationship but also a story full of magical elements which sometimes feel oddly familiar, as if they said something about the real world.
The Wolf House (2018)
Genre: Stop Motion Animation/Drama/Horror
I know many of you Horror fans out there will burn me alive for choosing this Chilean horror movie over the more popular choice of “El Conde.” While I agree it’s a great movie, “La Casa Lobo” or “The Wolf House” is such an underrated, genuinely terrifying film and another showcase of how incredible Chilean animators are. Like many horror movies, this film is based on the real events of “Colonia Dignidad,” a German cult that resided in the Chilean south and committed countless atrocities. Yet, it is made to look like propaganda for children. And in its magical events, its dreamy representation, you can still peak at an eerie reality that will make your blood run cold.
La Llorona (2019)
Genre: Folk Horror/Crime/Drama/Thriller/War
There are several renditions of this Latin American folk legend. I wouldn’t recommend many of the ones you find with a simple internet search. Many representations of the well-known legend are tainted by their wish to appeal to Western audiences. However, this Guatemalan film brings La Llorona to life and embodies her in what seems to be a genuine, almost plausible situation and world. It is fantastic, yet it does not feel like fantasy. There is something human, even in the inhumane, and it’s terrifying how it feels that you may just be walking down the street when you might run face to face with La Llorona.
Satanic Hispanics (2022)
Genre: B-Horror/Supernatural Horror
If you’re like me, you enjoy not only thought-provoking, suspenseful films but also hilarious, nonsensical horror that’s pure entertainment gold. This compilation of different directors’ works is a fantastic and thrilling way to spend your afternoon. Some stories make you gag, hold your breath, or laugh out loud, yet they all leave you wanting more, expectant to see what comes next with every new and wildly unique storyline.
When Evil Lurks (2023)
Genre: Supernatural Horror
This movie is the Argentinian rendition of all the classically loved Western horror movie themes. There is this fight against evil, against satan himself, who creates these awful, bloody and deeply disturbing scenes, which seem to be so much more than they show to be. I really enjoyed how they were able to take such a basic idea as the “fight against the devil” and elevate it while still giving that out-of-this-world horror feature that is so well loved, and for a good reason.
Works Cited
- Heller, D. (Director). (2017). Good Man [Film]. Switchblade Pictures. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5480782/
- H. M. (Director). (2022). When Evil Lurks [Film]. Shudder. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16300962/
- Kahn, A. (Director). (2018). Wolf House [Film]. Jinga Films. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8173728/
- Kauffman, R. (Director). (1990). The Good Son [Film]. 20th Century Fox. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098253/
- Zacarías, J. (Director). (2021). La Llorona [Film]. La Casa de Producción. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10767168/
- Zubia, L. (Director). (2022). Satanic Hispanics [Film]. 1091 Pictures. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22085392/
