Step into the hauntingly beautiful world of “Rita,” the latest dark fantasy film by acclaimed director Jayro Bustamante, now streaming on Shudder. This film, starring the talented Giuliana Santa Cruz, weaves a tale that feels like a twisted bedtime story, perfect for those who crave a blend of horror and poetic storytelling. The narrative will captivate you. It dances between reality and imagination. You will question the very fabric of what is real.
- Director: Jayro Bustamante
- Cast: Giuliana Santa Cruz (Ixcanul, La Llorona, Tremors)
- Subtitled horror movies on Shudder: Rita is a Spanish-language film.
Rita 2024 Movie Review – Watch it on Shudder or AMC+
“Rita” unfolds like an enchanting fairy tale. Each chapter is narrated as a whimsical story. It’s akin to a story that parents would tell to their drowsy children from a cherished book. It vividly portrays Rita’s solitary journey to the facility, arriving in a police car, scarcely dressed, and being dropped off to face the initiation rites from her new roommates. The hazing turns into a scene of scratches and flapping wings. Broken feathers fly around as each girl takes her turn to bite and claw at her.
Armed soldiers stand vigil as the females bathe. Rita recounts the mystical beings that both haunt and inhabit the classic fortress atop a hill—a veiled depiction of a refuge framed by a little girl’s imagination. But she is not just a little girl. She is hardened beyond her years. The choices made by men have shaped her.
She has returned from the hospital after a serious medical issue, initially concealed from the viewers. Most will presume that the storyline is buried beneath layers of chaotic, poetic prose. This prose portrays the setting as a magical realm. However, the truth is that it serves as a refuge for girls with no one to claim them.
She confronts the lingering shadows of those who once inhabited this grim space. As the narrative unfolds, a more powerful storyline emerges, delivering a profound impact. The girls are organized into groups symbolizing various animals, with representations like fairies and angels, rabbits and wolves. These factions are challenged against one another, marked by unique identifiers. Rita is part of the angel group and faces pressure to fully embrace her identity while rallying the girls in their courageous quest for freedom.
The fire spirits are explained to be a group called The Stars, and they live outside the jail’s walls. They are said to be the spirits of the girls who have perished by suicide inside the walls of the prison. They coerce the groups to make a stand and break free from their cells and tell the world what is happening. The whole film is dark, dirty, and softly lit. It feels like a musical without any music. It reminds me of the film “Tigers Are Not Afraid.” This film shares a similar theme of children abused by their circumstances. It magically creates a scene of pure horror from absolute innocence.
Each girl possesses her own compelling story. Within this fortress, a sinister conspiracy unfolds. Those in charge exploit the girls by selling them online. A guard is appointed as the ringleader. They await, with bated breath, the return of those taken in the dead of night for heinous acts, engaging in conversations about the tragic abortions and the harsh realities stemming from the girls’ desperate attempts to reclaim their lives.
The concluding sequence delivers a powerful and poignant moment. It reveals the fate of the core group after their daring escape. Unfortunately, they face recapture yet again.
Do you love a horror movie with a gooey fairytale center? Watch Mary Had a Little Lamb, Damsel, Winnie The Pooh Blood and Honey, Hunter Hunter or SlapFace next.
Jayro Bustamante’s Dark Fantasy Film
Jayro Bustamante is known for his use of magical realism and social commentary, which are evident in “Rita.” The cinematography is dark and atmospheric, creating a sense of dread and beauty simultaneously. The film is subtitled, adding to its authenticity and immersive experience. Writer for the Spanish horror movie La Llorona, I would say that this title is far superior.
Giuliana Santa Cruz in Rita
“Rita” is a hauntingly beautiful film that blends horror and fantasy in a way that only Jayro Bustamante can. With standout performances, especially from Giuliana Santa Cruz, this film is a must-watch for fans of dark fairy tales and subtitled horror movies.
Rita 2024 is rated
4 Indie at its best out of 5
Where to Stream
Rita Review: A Dark Fairy Tale on Shudder - Mother of Movies
Director: Jayro Bustamante
Date Created: 2024-07-25 18:32
4
Rita Review: A Dark Fairy Tale on Shudder - Mother of Movies
Director: Jayro Bustamante
Date Created: 2024-07-25 18:32
4
