The Holy Innocents

Synopsis

In the movie The Holy Innocents, directed by Mario Camus and released in 1984, we are immersed in the daily struggles of a family of poor day laborers living on a vast estate in rural Spain. The patriarch of the family, Paco, works for the wealthy landowner while his wife, Régula, takes care of the household. Their son, Quirce, is mentally challenged, and the family's loyal dog, Niebla, provides them with companionship. As they navigate the harsh realities of their existence, a series of events unfolds that tests their loyalty, resilience, and morality. The Holy Innocents delves deep into themes of class struggle, loyalty, and the complex dynamics between the privileged and the disenfranchised.

Cast

• 

  Alfredo Landa

  Paco, El Bajo

• 

  Terele Pávez

  Régula

• Belén Ballesteros

  Nieves

• Juan Sachez

  Quirce

• Susana Sánchez

  La Niña Chica

• 

  Francisco Rabal

  Azarías

Reviews

The Holy Innocents has garnered critical acclaim for its raw and unflinching portrayal of poverty, oppression, and resilience. The performances of the cast, particularly Alfredo Landa as Paco and Terele Pávez as Régula, have been praised for their authenticity and depth. The film's cinematography beautifully captures the stark beauty of the Spanish countryside, adding to the overall atmosphere of the movie. While some critics found the pacing slow, many lauded the film for its powerful storytelling and emotional impact. Rotten Tomatoes gives The Holy Innocents a perfect score of 100%, highlighting its universal acclaim. IMDb rates the movie at 8.1/10, showing the strong positive reception from audiences and critics alike.