Satanic Hispanics brings 5 wonderfully inventive horror stories to the screen con sabor, featuring the talents of as many LatinX filmmakers resulting in one of the best anthologies in years. Mike Mendez directs the framing device written by Alejandro Mendez which follows The Traveler (Efren Ramirez) who is attempting to convince  Detective Arden (Greg Grunberg) and Detective Gibbons (Sonya Eddy) of impending doom if he isn’t released.

The Traveler

Directed by Mike Mendez, written by Alejandro Mendez

Police discover a home filled with immigrants, each with a shot to the head, except for one sole survivor. Calling himself The Traveler he uses the evidence that the police pulled from the crime scene to relate four stories. The Traveler is convinced that an evil force is after him that will stop at nothing to kill him. His advice to the detectives is to let him go, in peace before danger arrives but they take some convincing.

Anthologies are a tricky thing to pull off and, probably the most difficult has to be the framing device. If not done properly it will feel manufactured, forced even. thankfully writer Mendez creates a yarn that is as interesting as any of the stories The Traveler shares. The piece even offers a proper finale to the movie as a whole.

Tambien Lo Vi

Directed by Demian Rugna, written by Bernardo Bronstein

This prickly headscratcher follows math whiz Gustavo (Demian Salomon) who, Through a series of gestures, patterns, and lights, believes that he has unlocked a portal to the other side… in his home. A puzzle genius, his plans for professional competition are put in danger when something from the other side reaches out to him.

This one felt like Aronofsky’s Pi fused with paranormal elements. Very intriguing, very fun, but with wonderful jumpscares and a great performance by Salomon as the mad genius.

El Vampiro

Directed by Eduardo Sánchez, written by Pete Barnstorm

After a Halloween bender, El Vampiro (Hemky Madera) must attempt to make it home before sunrise. The trouble is that he is downtown and sunrise is in 15 minutes. Maribel (Patricia Velasquez), his wife of 196 years is reluctant to help him after he tries to play the “I am your Master” card. What ensues is a broadly comical farce concerning an aging vampire in a pickle.

Barnstrom’s script is hilarious. While trapping the characters in the world of their known conventions we see new things pop up like drinking responsibly, aging, and equity in relationships. Madera is hilarious as a blood-sucking Don Francisco-esque vampire in over his head. He is equaled by Velasquez’s firey yet loyal Mirabel. After two stories that played it straight, slipping this comedic piece in here was the right choice.

Nahaules

Directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero, written by Shadan Saul and Raynor Shima

Here a man in rural Mexico attempts to save his family from a deadly cartel, only to fall prey to something far more powerful. The segment entitled Nahaules was good, but probably the least impressive of the collection.

Director Gigi Saul Guerrero is easily one of the most fascinating filmmakers working right now. She’s a fiercely LatinX filmmaker with a big personality and unquestionable talent. Here she directs a piece that touches on the drug trade and its toll on the local people of Mexico while using indigenous culture as the bringer of justice. We have Guerrero’s trademark grittiness and gusto for gore but this piece is more interesting than it is disturbing.

The Hammer of Zanzibar

Directed by Alejandro Bruges, written by Lino K. Villa

The most absurd story, The Hammer of Zanzibar brings The Traveler’s storytelling to an outrageous close. Here, a man must face a demon that pursues him. Yet, mortal weapons cannot harm his pursuer. Wielding the Hammer of Zanzibar might give him a fighting chance.

Villa’s script is the most unhinged of the movie as it bounces around to tell its screwy tale. We follow as Malcolm (Jonah Ray Rodrigues) evades an all-powerful demon, acquires a phallic weapon, and fights for his life. The action and blood flow freely in this whacky piece directed by Bruges with his trademark humor and knack for gore.

Will the Traveler escape the police station? You will have to find out for yourselves. Satanic Hispanics is one hell of a good time that showcases the talents of so many deserving filmmakers working today. Give this movie a look, chances are you won’t be disappointed.

7/10