not just torture

unlike most modern horror films that rely heavily on gruesome relentless torture to mask the fact that everything else about the film is poorly developed, here is a story that has some weight to it and uses torture to build a contempt for the main bad guys and their religious cult practices. it also goes into more weighty issues like what will a person become who is exposed to this violence and forced to defend themselves and ultimately the weakness of those who believe they are without fear.
its difficult to take any of this seriously in the film to be honest. its not perfect by any means and clearly it uses torture to lift the film to an audience that begs for this kind've trite bs. i wish in some regards that they would have taken a wiser path because whoever was responsible for this film was perfectly capable of setting a mood, framing a style, and delivering a story. the acting as well is definitely good. those efforts are worth watching this movie. it is good and unique enough to at least hold your attention. and if you're squeamish about seeing someone tortured...well you either watch it because it effects you in that way or you'll just avoid this anyway.

there is a little of a tendency in this movie to come away with an impression that mexico is full of crazy lawlessness and cult practices that prey on white tourist. oh and women that are all prostitutes but at least somewhat nice. its the least redeeming quality of this film...and frankly a mistake. but if you believe that any of that is true and not the fiction that this story is...then you barking up the wrong tree.

a good film, done with style and not a boring moment really.

8/10