Shudder Secrets: Satanic Hispanics

There have been countless horror anthologies, from the classic Creepshow, to the more recent V/H/S franchise, to Tales from the Hood. Of course, some are better than others. What makes Satanic Hispanics unique is that it’s the first anthology to feature all Latino directors. While some entries are stronger than others, it’s generally a decent film that boasts some pretty impressive special effects.

The wrap-around, directed by Mike Mendez, features a character named “The Traveler,” played by none other than Efren Ramirez, best known as Pedro in Napolean Dynamite. The Traveler essentially exists between both worlds, the living and the dead. After surviving a massacre, he’s hauled into a prison and warns two detectives that they best let him go because a demon is on his tail, and it could mean the end of the world.

From there, The Traveler sets up each story, spinning tales of the supernatural to the two detectives and the audience. It’s a cool wrap-around, and it’s fun seeing Ramirez in a genre film. The four tales are a mix of straight-up horror and horror-comedy, so the tones aren’t consistent. Like any anthology, some of the entries are tighter than others.

Tambien Lo Vi

Director Demián Rugna‘s Tambien Lo Vi is up first, and it’s undoubtedly the creepiest entry of the bunch. It stars Demián Salomón as Gustavo, a competitive Rubik’s Cube player who believes he’s cracked the code to the afterlife and invites a podcaster to witness it. The sheer dread of this one is nearly on par with Rugna’s other films, Terrified and When Evil Lurks. The effects are grisly and haunting.

It doesn’t take long for the dead to show up, once Gustavo flashes light from his phone on window panels that match the colors of a Rubik’s Cube. This is essentially the code he uses to see the other side. Everything about this one, from the drab setting of the protagonist’s apartment to the ghouls that show up, creates a chilling atmosphere. All of it builds to a frightful ending. Rugna is definitely one of the most interesting horror directors in the game today.

El Vampiro

The second entry, directed by Eduardo Sánchez (The Blair Witch Project), is a straight-up horror comedy about an aging vampire out past his bedtime during Halloween. Hemky Madera is great in the role as the vamp who needs to get home fast before the sun rises. Some of the gags work, especially when he uses mind control on two police officers.

The problem with this one, however, is that it drags on a bit too long. Yes, it’s funny but eventually, the jokes wear thin. If this was trimmed by, say, five minutes, it would have been much, much stronger. In terms of tone, it’s also such a stark contrast to Rugna’s work, but that’s what’s entertaining about horror anthologies, the varying voices and voices. While this one feels too long in the fang, like every other entry, it includes some impressive practical effects, making for at least a few bloody good moments.

Nahules

Gigi Saul Guerrero takes the reigns next and brings the tone to a more serious level again. Nahules is pure folk horror featuring a creepy witch and a man (Ari Gallegos) whose kidnapped by her vicious minions and taken to a remote location. It’s a bit unclear why they kidnap him and why they’re out for vengeance. Does it have something to do with Mother Earth? It seems so, since the witch keeps mentioning it.

The problem with this entry is that there’s not enough time to establish what exactly is going on here, including the witch’s backstory and the reason she’s out for blood and unleashes her wrath upon the man. Still, out of all the entries, this one includes some of the best make-up and costume design when it comes to the witch. Out of all the entries, I’d really love to see this one turned into a feature, so this world can be fully fleshed out and explored more.

Hammer of Zanzibar

The final entry, other than the wrap-around’s conclusion, is the silliest of the bunch and directed by Alejandro Brugués. Like the second entry, this one is far more comedy than horror and also the zaniest of the entries. It stars Jonah Ray, who certainly has the comedic chops, considering his work on “Mystery Science Theater 3000” and more recently Destroy All Neighbors. In short, Malcolm is in possession of a tape, that, if spread, could unleash demons upon the earth, demons that already killed his other friends.

Eventually, this one edges serious Evil Dead 2 vibes for its absurdity and gore, especially once Malcolm battles a female demon, using the penis, of well, another demon. Parts of this tale are a sheer blast. It knows exactly what it is, and it doesn’t offer much more.

Overall, Satanic Hispanics may not have as much rewatch value as some of the classic horror anthologies, but it’s still worth a stream, at least for Rugna’s entry alone and some of the gnarly effects. The anthology streams on Shudder starting March 8. Keep updated on the streaming service’s latest releases by following my Shudder Secrets column.