Giallo spotlight: "Santa Sangre"

Santa Sangre (1989), directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, is a surreal psychological horror film that blends circus spectacle, religious symbolism, and psychological trauma into a haunting cinematic experience. The story follows Fenix, a young man raised in a traveling circus, whose troubled past resurfaces after a period of institutionalization. As he reconnects with his memories—and with a powerful maternal figure—he’s drawn into a nightmarish journey that blurs the line between reality and delusion.

While Santa Sangre isn’t a traditional giallo, it shares several key traits with the genre: stylized violence, psychological instability, and a mystery rooted in trauma. The film’s Italian co-production (with Claudio Argento, brother of giallo maestro Dario Argento, as producer) also ties it to the giallo lineage. Like many gialli, it features a protagonist with fragmented memories, vivid color palettes, and a series of grotesque murders that are as symbolic as they are shocking.

What sets it apart is Jodorowsky’s signature surrealism—less whodunit, more what is reality. It’s like a giallo filtered through a dream logic lens, with echoes of The Hands of Orlac and Deep Red, but also something uniquely mythic and operatic.

Tips:

1. Haven't seen the movie in a while? You're in for a treat - try to watch the movie sometime before we meet (Streaming Options). Just like a book club we don't watch the movie at our meetup, just discuss it. You don't have to watch the movie to join us, but it'll be more fun if you can.
2. I usually take a few notes while I watch to keep from forgetting the most interesting stuff. If you think of some interesting discussion topics while you watch, bring 'em with you!
3. We'll decide on our next giallo movie to watch! Come with suggestions.

Are you not that familiar with the giallo genre? Read the Wikipedia entry to learn more. Is there a giallo you'd like to propose the group watch and discuss next? Here's a comprehensive list of Italian giallos along with films influenced by the genre. Maybe there's a film you've heard about but needed an excuse to see--come join us for discussion & make a suggestion!

Coming to the group for the first time, but interested in movies previously watched & discussed? Here's a list of all previous giallos watched and discussed by the group (with group rating)!

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