Regardless of its challenges, Rosario uses supernatural threats to focus on the real horror of losing where one comes from.
Rosario is an interesting horror film. But it tonally misfires through some of its runtime. Still, with countless horror films from one demographic, having films outside that standard lens is always welcome. Plus, the movie ties in the challenges of retaining cultural identity and assimilation. While those concepts, blended with horror, are wonderful to see, the film struggles to bring them together. Regardless of its challenges, Rosario uses supernatural threats to focus on the real horror of losing where one comes from.
Written by Alan Trezza (We Summon the Darkness, Burying the Ex) and directed by Felipe Vargas, the movie begins in Rosario’s, played by Emeraude Toubia (The Ballad of a Hustler), youth. During her first communion, her father, Oscar Fuentes, played by José Zúñiga (The Life List, Sound of Freedom), wishes for her future success. After all, they came to the United States to give her a better life.
Now an adult, Rosario’s grandmother, played by Constanza Gutierrez (Memoria, Llanto Maldito), passes away. Given her undocumented status, Rosario must go to her abuela’s apartment and stay there until an ambulance arrives for the body. But with a winter storm sweeping New York City, and some supernatural entity attacking her, she has to find out what’s happening and how to stop it.
Rosario Crafts Confusing Tones That Sometimes Work
Instead of a horror comedy blend that feels equal parts creepy and comedic in scenes, Rosario opts to move from one to the other in an unexpected, even jarring, fashion. Sometimes it works. The disconcerting transition can foster laughter. However, other times it leaves you feeling bewildered. Plus, it lowers the stakes. That’s a recurring problem throughout the film’s runtime. So, it detracts from the tension in pivotal moments.
Another confusing addition is the white neighbor, Joe, played by David Dastmalchian (The Suicide Squad, Oppenheimer). Joe’s character toes the same bewildering mix of creepy and comedic. Or at least, the attempts at comedy are there. Because his obsession with getting his air fryer back is uncomfortable. But Joe feels like a needless inclusion. That is, unless the reason is cannon fodder for the creepy entity. If so, that’s fine. After all, white horror films have used superficial Black, Hispanic, and Asian bodies for mere sacrifice or, god forbid, saving the white woman. So, this is a welcome reversal.
Deeper Exploration of Assimilation and Cultural Identity
Most people arrive in the U.S. with dreams of giving their family a better life. But what makes up that life differs between people. Some want their children to pursue careers and have financial security. But they want them to maintain their cultural identity. Meanwhile, others expect their children to assimilate in every regard. So, they reject their culture, religious practices, and any celebrations.
With Rosario, the titular character cast off her heritage. So with that came a distancing from family who clung to the culture. She seesaws between resentment of that side of her family who embraced their heritage to regret that she avoided them. The movie does have difficulty with tone. However, Rosario’s confusing and conflicting emotions are spot on. Because of that disconnect from her heritage, she struggles to put the pieces together. The actress, Emeraude Toubia, wrestles with connecting to the story. Still, she captures the emotional landscape even if the horror scenes seem stilted one moment, exaggerated the next.
Rosario is a mix; a deep emotional journey that resonates with people caught between two worlds with disintegrating tension and comedy. Director Felipe Vargas does their part, creating tense moments of dread. Unfortunately, the dialogue does not help. In fact it causes most of the confusion. Rosario scrapes through with a pass because of direction, atmosphere, and its exploration of culture and acceptance. So, it’s like an unfulfilled promise where you appreciate the effort.
