The Penitent
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.
Below are the streaming services currently carrying the movie “The Penitent” in the United States, along with how each offers it (subscription, buy, or rent) and a direct link. Licensing differs by market, so availability in the United States can differ from other countries.
Where to watch The Penitent in United States
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Not currently available on the supported providers in United States.
Availability can change as licenses rotate — confirm on the provider’s page before subscribing. Last checked: 20 Sept 2026.