Watch Santa Sangre

Santa Sangre is a surreal and darkly poetic allegory that tells the story of a troubled young man named Fenix, whose life is marked by tragedy, religion, and intrigue. Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, the film is a masterpiece of surrealism, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and psychological drama to create a haunting and unforgettable experience.

Set in Mexico, the film follows Fenix (played by Axel Jodorowsky), who grew up in a circus along with his parents, Concha (played by Blanca Guerra) and Orgo (played by Guy Stockwell). Concha, a trapeze artist, and Orgo, a knife-thrower, had a tumultuous and abusive relationship that had a profound impact on Fenix's childhood. When Concha discovers that Orgo is having an affair with another woman, she proceeds to cut his arms off and commit suicide in front of her son.

Traumatized by the event, Fenix is sent to a psychiatric institution where he spends years in therapy trying to overcome his trauma. Eventually, he is released and returns to his old circus, where he discovers that his mother is still alive and has become a religious cult leader at a church called Santa Sangre. Fenix is immediately drawn into the world of Santa Sangre, which is based on a unique blend of Catholicism, Aztec mythology, and surreal imagery.

As Fenix becomes more deeply involved with Santa Sangre, he begins to experience strange visions and hallucinations, which push him to confront the traumatic events of his past. He also becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and power struggles within the Santa Sangre community, including a romantic relationship with a tattooed lady named Alma, and a rivalry with the church's evil high priestess, the Lotus.

Throughout the film, Jodorowsky uses his signature blend of surrealism, allegory, and satire to comment on a wide range of social and psychological issues. Some of the film's themes include religion, sex, identity, childhood trauma, and mental illness. Jodorowsky also employs an array of striking visual and auditory techniques, such as slow motion, extreme close-ups, dreamlike music, and elaborate sets and costumes, to create a deeply immersive and hypnotic experience.

Overall, Santa Sangre is a mesmerizing and unforgettable film that challenges viewers to confront their own fears, desires, and traumas. It is a unique and visionary work of art that defies easy categorization, and that continues to influence and inspire filmmakers, artists, and audiences around the world. So, if you are a fan of surrealism, allegory, and psychological drama, Santa Sangre is a must-see film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Santa Sangre is a 1989 thriller with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.