Molina's Ferozz

Molina's version of the fairy tale combines slasher horror and Cuban black magic in a coming-of-age film that is visually attention-grabbing but ultimately unsatisfying. Unclear events muddle the plot, and a bizarre casting choice diverts attention from the acting.

Incestuous, rape-inciting matriarch Zulma owns the land and shacks where daughter-in-law Dolores and granddaughter Miranda try to avoid her abuse. Dolores longs for attention from her husband's brother, priest/witch doctor Inocencio. Inocencio, however, is struggling to restrain his desire for young Miranda, who is just beginning to explore her budding sexuality. Zulma's son-and-grandson (!) Dully babbles incoherently and spends his time masturbating while spying on women bathing in the river. Ill-defined werewolves roam the woods. When Zulma plots to kick Dolores and Miranda off the land, blood splatters and romance, loosely defined, ensues.

Several plot points are unclear: The link from magic rituals performed by Zulma and by Inocencio to any subsequent events is baffling, especially to those of us not steeped in the lore of Santeria. Dolores may have attempted a spell, too, but that was as clear as mud. An attempt to poison someone is started and then apparently forgotten. And the wolf creature's limited role serves only as a symbolic link to the fairy tale; it's the humans that one should fear.

Casting choices limit our ability to suspend disbelief: Zulma is so glaringly played by a man (Francisco Garcia) that I expected a reason for it. But no, this pink elephant in the room wasn't relevant to the story, and any rational symbolism escapes me. Dayana Legra's portrayal of the young teen, Miranda, is often credible, although the role might have been better played by an age-appropriate actress. It's likely that one very explicit and unusual scene of tender sensuality ruled this out.

Ferozz is not a terrible movie, and its level of gore and sexuality are not, for the most part, exceptional when compared to other modern horror films. It's entertaining enough to watch once, if only to gripe about what could have been done better.