Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Satanic Hispanics’

3/10/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Morgana Ignis and Jonah Ray Rodriguez as King Zombie and Malcolm in SATANIC HISPANICS. (Photo Courtesy of Shudder.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Satanic Hispanics’.

When we think of Latin folklore in horror, our minds really drift to a pair of key characters. The enigmatic and chilling La Llorona and the terrifying Chupacabra, and we think of them first… simply because they are the two monsters that are predominantly featured in all thing’s horror media. Which isn’t a terrible thing by any means, since it has allowed for fascinating explorations to come forth regarding La Llorona throughout the years, lending to the legend of this sorrowful spirit and of course, you can never go wrong with a good old fashioned monster movie about a blood sucking nightmare roaming the countryside.

But while those stories do entertain and celebrate some segments of Latin culture, they are but the surface of the rich lore that permeates Latin culture, and that is a bit of a shame. For horror is something that is deeply intertwined with Latin storytelling, courtesy of endless stories and legends and overall fears about the unknown and what lurks in the dark. All of which quite frankly, deserves its day in the sun. Because those stories and legends could open up all kinds of possibilities for storytellers and provide horror fans with new nightmares to obsess over and thankfully… the day to begin exploring all of that has finally arrived, courtesy of a new horror anthology on Shudder entitled, Satanic Hispanics.

For this is an all-Latino horror anthology that does nothing but focus upon the rich legends that make up Latin culture in a different manner no less. For this anthology, introduces us to a man named the Traveler early on, through some serious trouble that lands him in front of a pair of police officers in El Paso, which prompts great concern from the Traveler. For he knows that something sinister is on its way to his location and he needs to leave, so he works with these officers to solve past crimes and explain his fascinating and supernatural origins through incredible stories that seem to do nothing more than bore his friends, much to his chagrin. For he really is who he claims to be, and the clock is ticking, and it… draws near.

Which really is the perfect way to explore the rich tapestry of horror in Latin culture and how it is passed down from generation to generation, through word-of-mouth storytelling, just as it is presented here. Since it is elders in the community and parents that pass these tales to their children to scare them, educate them and outright enthrall them and well, once the stories get underway in this film, are we treated to some incredible legends. The kind that goes deep into the history of Latin people, and feature and harbor incredible themes about our relationship with mother nature and our relationship with the spiritual world. Giving rise to stories that are refreshing, and unique, and fascinating in nature. But more importantly, they properly celebrate Latin culture and open up its wonder to a new audience at last.

But make no mistake about it, while this is indeed a piece to be celebrated on those elements, it is still a horror anthology, and it delivers there through and through. Courtesy of moments that are shocking and chilling, and outright violent and gory. In fact, this anthology is indeed one that gore hounds will celebrate since the red, red wine we all harbor in our veins flows freely here and as added bonus, this anthology also knows… when to lighten the mood. Because horror and some of the stories told in Latin communities are aloof and fun and this anthology knows when to let loose. Courtesy of a pair of vignettes that lean into the comedy and entertain, giving rise to a wonderfully balanced and outright magnificent anthology.

One that really does what it sets out to accomplish and give a voice to legends and stories that we don’t hear about all that often. Not to mention, this horror film is a marvel when it comes to representation as well. By showcasing the talents of five talented Latin directors, and Latin writers and actors and that really is something that popular media is sorely lacking. Which also makes this anthology, progressive and important, and respectful. Since it truly does pay proper tribute to the legends and concepts it features and it also will invoke, fond memories for any Latin audience members. Who will reflect upon days gone by when their Mamá or Abuelita spun those tales beneath the cover of night and well, all of these elements make this a must-see anthology. Because it is original and fun and serves as a breath of fresh air in the genre.

Watch ‘Satanic Hispanics’

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