Review of Pedro Páramo – Mexican magic realism showcases time slippages and perspective shifts in film

Here is a new version of Juan Rulfo’s 1955 magical realist novel that later inspired Gabriel García Márquez and others. With a non-linear narrative that explores life, death, lost loves, and shattered ideals, this adaptation may have also influenced the fragmented films of the 2000s Mexican new wave written by Guillermo Arriaga. Directed by Rodrigo Prieto, known for his work on “Amores Perros,” the film initially presents a challenging introduction to the story’s ghost town setting, which becomes thrilling before eventually posing a problem.

Juan Preciado (played by Tenoch Huerta) has promised his dying mother that he will return to the town of Comala to meet his father, Pedro Páramo. But who is Páramo? As Juan embarks on his journey, he encounters various characters with connections to the tyrannical landowner Páramo and his estate, La Media Luna. The town of Comala is revealed to be a purgatory filled with wandering souls, all linked by their stories involving Páramo.

As the narrative unfolds, we witness the power dynamics and moral decay of late 19th-century rural Mexico through the perspectives of different characters in Páramo’s circle. However, the film’s focus on multiple characters and timelines can be overwhelming, leaving some aspects underdeveloped. Despite this, the story’s dark themes and exploration of spiritual degradation still resonate.

While the visual presentation may lack flair, the film manages to deliver a compelling portrayal of the Mexican soul, anchored by Manuel García-Rulfo’s portrayal of the enigmatic Páramo. “Pedro Páramo” is set to premiere on Netflix on November 6th.

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This article was corrected on November 4, 2024, to fix the spelling of Comala.