No one escapes Death. Somehow “The Traveler” (Efren Ramirez) can at least stay five hours ahead of him. Unless, that is, he has to spend time in a police station telling two interrogators stories of the supernatural to prove he’s functionally immortal. That’s the frame that holds Satanic Hispanics together. Ramirez might not be Scheherezade, but with the help of five leading Latino horror filmmakers, he can spin a few good yarns.
Though striking different tones, each story is solid. After director Mike Mendez establishes the framing sequence, Argentinian director Demian Rugna takes the spotlight with “También Lo Vi.” A claustrophobic story of anxiety and grief, it immediately contrasts the energy of Ramirez’ unhurried delivery. Combining the Rubik’s Cube with patterns in physics, Rugna explores how we create our own monsters. Though of course, it’s not that simple. Saturated production design and a tight script prove that sometimes the less we see, the scarier it can be.
The Traveler shifts to poignant comedy with “El Vampiro,” with The Blair Witch Project‘s Eduardo Sanchez directing from Pete Barnstrom’s script. Dominican actor Hemky Madera plays a vampire who’s seen better days and can’t keep track of Daylight Savings Time. Taking the Halloween opportunity to really cut loose, he needs his much younger companion to rein him in. By much younger, he just means a couple of centuries. Though comedic, the short doesn’t skimp on gore, for El Vampiro is a messy eater.
Mexican filmmaker Gigi Saul Hernandez’ short “Nahuales” might be the most unsettling story. Written by Shadan Saul, “Nahuales” explores remnants of Mesoamerican mysticism colliding with Mexico’s cartel problem. Its vibe is unsettling, a slow build toward the monstrous but… the priestess might have a point. Hernandez’ imagery will stick with you.
Having brought all these filmmakers together, Juan of the Dead director Alejandro Brugues contributes… no, let’s not reveal the title, because it’s a plot point. With Jonah Ray Rodrigues as an affable somewhat hapless lead, the short involves the consequences of crossing a Cuban demon. For dark subject matter, it’s kinetic, light, and almost airy. Yet Brugues also gives actor Jacob Vargas the real spotlight as “El Jefe,” the proprietor of the Mystic Museum who knows how to kill a demon and only slightly makes a profit. Vargas has a long and hilarious monologue that could have turned into a shaggy demon story.
Satanic Hispanics is one of the most consistent, solid horror anthologies I’ve seen. And it’s great to see so many Latinx actors, usually supporting parts on TV, take the lead and shine. Looking up all the directors, I have a new list of horror films I need to see, not just Juan of the Dead. Now is the time to get out and find indie films like this, and if you like it, Mendez, Brugues, and possibly others will be signing BluRays of Satanic Hispanics at Dark Delicacies on Saturday, December 16. I just pre-ordered my copy. See it in a theater this weekend, and add the physical media to your collection in December.
(Bonus: actor/writer/producer Jessica Cameron makes a brief appearance in the police station. We interviewed her at Cinequest for her film A Bad Place a few years ago. Just sayin’.)
