‘Rosario’ Draws Its Terror From the ‘Horrors and Real Life Death’ of the Migrant Experience: Mexicans Are Expected to Sacrifice Their ‘Own Identity’

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SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers about “Rosario,” now playing in theaters.

Titled “Rosario,” currently screening thanks to Mucho Mas Releasing, bears many familiar elements of a conventional dark magic film: It includes spectral apparitions, grotesque physical transformations, and ominous hands surfacing from the shadows. Yet, screenwriter Alan Trezza aimed for something more profound in crafting this narrative.

Emeraude Toubia plays the lead role as a successful businesswoman who finds herself unexpectedly caring for her recently deceased grandmother at her apartment, awaiting an ambulance that’s delayed due to a massive storm in New York City – a nod by the creators to the early days of the pandemic when loved ones’ remains were often confined indoors due to overwhelmed healthcare services. Upon entering the apartment, Rosario encounters a strange neighbor (David Dastmalchian) and uncovers signs that her grandmother may have been dabbling in powerful magic, which could have played a role in shaping Rosario’s path to success.

In Rosario’s world, she navigates the impersonal and affluent concrete jungle of the city. Contrastingly, her grandmother’s home echoes with remnants of their Mexican heritage — corners steeped in mysticism and hints of witchcraft. Trezza deliberately weaves themes surrounding immigration and acculturation into his work, reflecting his personal experiences as a child of immigrants and his marriage to a woman of Mexican descent.

In order to achieve the ‘American Dream,’ it can cost more than simply giving up one’s time, as he explains. Sometimes, it requires relinquishing parts of one’s identity. I wanted to delve into what individuals might have to give up when leaving their home country in pursuit of this dream: Often their family heritage, cultural background, and ethnicity. Frequently, people feel compelled to alter their names, their appearance, or the way they speak just to climb another step on the path to success.

While investigating the enigmatic dark magic within her lineage, Trezza aimed to steer clear of commonly debated practices such as Santería and Voodoo. Instead, she dedicated her study to the faith system known as Palo Mayombe.

He remarks that while some employ it for beneficial purposes, others misuse it for harmful ones. For instance, some people pray for good health and prosperity, but there are those who exploit it for sinister intentions. In my studies, I’ve noticed that the Mexican drug cartels have often twisted its use to unimaginable extremes. They engage in brutal practices like human sacrifices, seeking power, wealth, and protection from authorities such as the DEA. Numerous instances exist where the DEA has raided warehouses belonging to these cartels, discovering vast sums of drug money alongside large iron cauldrons containing human remains. There have been numerous cases of American tourists who go missing in Mexico, only to later be found victims of drug cartel activities, suspected to have been used for human sacrifices dedicated to the gods of Palo Mayombe.

As Rosario delves deeper into her family’s history, she encounters fears that, in a typical horror movie, might just be jump-scares. However, as the story progresses, she comes to understand that these terrifying incidents mirror the genuine traumas her family endured while crossing the border. These chilling moments are not mere frights but serve as reminders of the harsh and uncertain realities they faced, which make them truly terrifying. According to Trezza, it is crucial that these fears are not superficial but are instead linked to the main theme, giving them a genuine sense of terror.

As someone who’s always enjoyed horror movies, he notes that the scariest moments carry deeper meaning. They often have themes or symbolic elements. Given that the film was about immigration, he reasoned, ‘Why not connect the perils and terrors these migrants face daily in their struggle for a brighter future to the horrors portrayed in this story?’

Through the enchanting tales steeped in culture, Trezza’s creativity has been unleashed. He shares that he has started working on a new script featuring a character who employs magical powers to mend and help others.

Trezza explains that the story is about delving into the positive aspects of magic, often referred to as ‘white magic.’ The plot revolves around our protagonist, who is trying to leave her past behind and employ her unique abilities to evade harmful individuals who practice a form of magic, but with malicious intentions.

In the end, Trezza finds joy in composing content that reflects his childhood experiences, a way that resonates with those who share similar backgrounds and also educates newcomers about the culture.

He remarks that the rich tapestry of Mexican and Latin culture is brimming with extraordinary narratives, motifs, and individuals.

Watch the exclusive new international trailer for “Rosario” below.

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2025-05-03 01:50