A Descent into Surreal Madness: Dissecting Alejandro Jodorowsky's 'Santa Sangre'
This week, the Horror Queers podcast ventures into the depths of surrealist cinema with a deep dive into Alejandro Jodorowsky's 1989 masterpiece, *Santa Sangre*.
The film follows Fenix (Axel Jodorowsky), a former circus performer haunted by a traumatic childhood, as he escapes a mental asylum to reunite with his armless mother Concha (Blanca Guerra). Concha, the leader of a bizarre religious cult, forces Fenix to become "her arms," perpetrating brutal acts of violence on her behalf. Only Alma (Sabrina Dennison), a mute tightrope walker from Fenix's past, holds the key to stopping his murderous rampage, but will she reach him in time?
*Santa Sangre
is a visually stunning and emotionally harrowing exploration of guilt, redemption, and the enduring power of trauma. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride through Jodorowsky's unique brand of surrealism, where the lines between reality and nightmare blur.
This episode delves into the film's captivating imagery, complex characters, and the dark, often grotesque themes that permeate the narrative. We discuss the profound impact of Fenix's childhood trauma, Concha's disturbing ability to manipulate her son's will, and the film's exploration of spiritual and psychological manipulation.
Expect to encounter a menagerie of surreal elements, including:
A striking elephant funeral
Disturbing scenes of genital mutilation
An array of feathered performers (chickens, naturally)
The unforgettable "mime of your life" - a literal python pulled from a character's trousers
Don't miss this episode, available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.
Coming up next Wednesday: We'll be tackling our first "screenlife" film - the chilling *Unfriended: Dark Web*.
P.S. For even more Horror Queers content, including a new episode on *Hannibal
Season 1, Episode 8, subscribe to our Patreon page. We've also got fresh audio commentaries on *Sleepaway Camp 3: Unhappy Campers*, *Strange Darling*, *Trap*, and *Alien: Romulus*, plus a brand-new commentary on James Cameron's *Aliens* to tie it all together.
