Where Representation Lacks in Horror

After unwillingly experiencing brown face, limited roles, or poor representation of Hispanic/Latin actors I decided to expand my personal palette to explore more movies in another language, Spanish. 

After receiving some recommendations, I got to experience great plot lines in Spanish, Argentinian, and Mexican horror films. Additionally, I was delighted to see how the role of women were important in some of these films. Rather than focusing women as sexual beings or deviants their importance came from being mothers or professionals which I valued. Throughout the horror genre you’ll often see women stripped down and sexualized where it be fanfare or perverted fantasies from the creators it becomes tired and dull. I think in some of the movies listed below the roles of these women added more to the plot that created a true storyline.

The Orphanage / El Orfanto (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes ranked this film 87% on their Tomatometer. I thought it was beautiful even though the children gave me chills. I genuinely enjoyed the acting and how it added to the storyline. 

Synopsis: Laura (Bélen Rueda) has happy memories of her childhood in an orphanage.she convinces her husband to buy the place and help convert it into a home for sick children. One day, her own adopted son, Símon (Roger Príncep), disappears. Simon is critically ill, and when he is still missing several months later, he is presumed dead. Grief-stricken Laura believes she hears spring, who may or may not be trying to help her find the boy. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Terrified / Aterrados (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes ranked this film 83% on their Tomatometer. Although I’m not one for paranormal activity movies this one actually creeped me out in a good way. I loved seeing the editing of the “demonic monsters” since it felt like I haven’t seen anything like that before. The movie left me with a lot of questions but overall I think they did well and leaving you with this unsettling feeling.

Synopsis: Paranormal researchers investigate strange events in a neighborhood in Buenos Aires. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Hopefully, people take the time to explore more Spanish language horror films to see all of the things they do well. If you have any additional recommendations, comment them below.