5. Tigers Are Not Afraid / Vuelven (2017) by Issa López
Set against the bleak reality of Mexico’s drug war, a band of orphaned children find themselves entangled in a world where fantasy meets haunting truths. After being granted three wishes, they quickly learn that fairy tales in real-world settings carry dire consequences. López captures the raw essence of childhood innocence clashing with the cruel world they’ve inherited.
Where to Watch:
4. Santa Sangre (1989) by Alejandro Jodorowsky
Avant-garde in its approach, Jodorowsky’s film follows Fenix, a man breaking free from a mental institution. As he navigates a surreal world filled with crime, magic, and grotesque circus acts, viewers are taken on a psychological journey. At its core, the movie deals with themes of childhood traumas, mental illness, and the weight of past sins.
Where to Watch:
3. [REC] (2007) by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza
Angela, a news reporter, and her cameraman get more than they bargained for while filming a late-night TV show in Barcelona. Soon, they find themselves trapped in a building where residents are rapidly turning into blood-thirsty creatures due to a mysterious infection. Balagueró and Plaza craft an atmosphere of claustrophobic tension, masterfully using the found-footage technique to heighten the film’s palpable dread.
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2. The Orphanage / El orfanato (2007) by J.A. Bayona
Laura’s attempt to reopen her childhood orphanage takes a nightmarish turn when her son goes missing. A game of supernatural hide-and-seek unfolds, and as she delves deeper, Laura encounters unsettling apparitions and secrets buried deep within the house’s walls. The film beautifully balances psychological horror with emotional depth, offering heart-wrenching moments amidst its scares.
Where to Watch:
1. Timecrimes / Los CronocrÃmenes (2007) by Nacho Vigalondo
Héctor’s quiet life is upended when an encounter with a mysterious bandaged man sends him into a spiraling series of events that transcend time itself. Vigalondo’s brilliant narrative is an intricate puzzle, blending elements of horror with science fiction. As the title suggests, crimes against time have their consequences, and Héctor must grapple with the choices and mistakes that can warp the very fabric of reality.
Where to Watch:
From the shadowed alleyways of Spain to the mystical heartbeats of Latin America, this collection of frights and delights showcases the enthralling depth and diversity of Hispanic and Latino horror cinema. As the rhythms of Hispanic Heritage Month reverberate, let’s raise a toast (perhaps with a ghostly ‘Salud!’) to the cinematic gems this vibrant culture has bestowed upon the horror realm. Whether you’re a die-hard horror junkie or just dipping your toes into these haunted waters, these films promise chills, thrills, and a dance with the darker side of storytelling with flair, history, and cultural depth.
Do you have another great Latin American or Hispanic horror movie to recommend? Let us know in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
