Santa Sangre (1989)
Alejandro Jodorowsky's NC-17 surrealist horror landmark — a visceral, unforgettable journey into madness, memory, and maternal obsession.
Santa Sangre - Movie Information
- Original Title: Santa Sangre
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Alejandro Jodorowsky
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, Drama, Horror
- Age Rating (US): NC-17
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 20, 1990 (Japan), June 27, 1990 (United States - NC-17), April 13, 1990 (United Kingdom - 18), January 31, 1991 (Germany - 18), March 31, 1993 (France - 16), September 13, 1990 (Australia), May 31, 1990 (Mexico - C), November 25, 2019 (Italy - VM14), June 28, 1991 (Spain), November 26, 1994 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Holy Blood (US), 산타 상그레 (KR), Σάντα Σάνγκρε (GR)
- Production Companies: Productora Fílmica Real, Produzioni Intersound
- Production Countries: Italy, Mexico
Santa Sangre - Plot
A former circus artist escapes from a mental hospital to rejoin his armless, cult leader mother, and is forced to enact brutal murders in her name.
Santa Sangre - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Jodorowsky's surrealist vision come to life:
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Santa Sangre - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alejandro Jodorowsky
Main Cast
- Axel Jodorowsky
- Blanca Guerra
- Guy Stockwell
- Thelma Tixou
- Sabrina Dennison
- Adan Jodorowsky
- Faviola Elenka Tapia
- Teo Jodorowsky
- Jesús Juárez
- Gloria Contreras
Writers
- Alejandro Jodorowsky
- Roberto Leoni
- Claudio Argento
Producers
- Claudio Argento
Santa Sangre - FAQs
What is Santa Sangre about?
Santa Sangre follows Fenix, a traumatized circus performer who escapes a psychiatric institution to reunite with his armless mother, a fanatical cult leader. Trapped under her psychological control, he becomes her literal arms — and is compelled to carry out a series of brutal murders. It's a surrealist descent into madness, memory, and obsession.
Is Santa Sangre based on a true story?
The film draws loose inspiration from the real-life case of Mexican serial killer Goyo Cárdenas, though Jodorowsky transforms the premise into a deeply personal, surrealist nightmare. The story is far more symbolic and psychological than biographical, using crime as a lens to explore trauma, identity, and maternal control.
Where can you stream Santa Sangre right now?
Santa Sangre is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Fandor, Screambox, Cineverse, Midnight Pulp, Night Flight Plus, FlixFling, Eternal Family, and Troma NOW. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.
Why is Santa Sangre rated NC-17?
Santa Sangre earned its NC-17 rating for graphic violence, disturbing imagery, and sexually explicit content. The film doesn't shy away from gore, surreal body horror, or provocative scenes — all deliberate choices by Jodorowsky to confront audiences with the raw extremes of trauma and obsession.
Who plays Fenix and Concha in Santa Sangre?
Fenix is played by Axel Jodorowsky, the director's real-life son, while the young Fenix is portrayed by another son, Adan Jodorowsky. Blanca Guerra delivers a commanding, terrifying performance as Concha, the armless cult-leader mother whose psychological grip drives the entire film.
Does Santa Sangre have a deeper symbolic meaning?
Absolutely. The film is dense with symbolism — the severed arms represent powerlessness and maternal domination, the circus mirrors life's absurdity, and the blood-soaked shrine speaks to religious fanaticism. Jodorowsky weaves psychoanalysis, surrealism, and autobiography into a visual language that rewards multiple viewings.
Is Santa Sangre worth watching for horror fans?
Absolutely — though it's unlike any conventional horror film. Critics and cinephiles regard it as one of the most visually inventive and emotionally harrowing films ever made. Roger Ebert gave it four stars, calling it a great film. It's challenging, unforgettable, and genuinely unlike anything else in the genre.
Did Santa Sangre win any major awards?
Santa Sangre won the Silver Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival in 1990. While it didn't sweep mainstream awards circuits, it has earned lasting recognition as a cult masterpiece, frequently appearing on best-of lists for horror, world cinema, and avant-garde filmmaking decades after its release.
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