La Santa Muerte (Saint Death)

La Santa Muerta documents the rising Mexican belief in Saint Death, an alternate female saint who helps not just the good, but also the bad, as well as those ignored by traditional saints, such as gays, lesbians, and transsexuals. Filmmaker Eva Aridjis takes viewers to Mexico City, where the poorest residents find solace in Saint Death, who—depending on whom you speak with—either originated in the 1960s or has been revered forever (some trace her back to the Aztec god of death, Mictlantecuhtli). Referred to by admirers as “the skinny lady,” Saint Death is worshipped as a protector by countless families throughout all of Mexico: every day, the faithful visit shrines to light candles, leave offerings, pray, and give thanks. We meet Mrs. Romero, who owns the statue (a skeleton and wig, basically) featured at one of the first shrines to appear in Mexico City. Romero and several others visiting the altar tell similar tales of fortune, safety, and the “tranquilization” of one's enemies—all attributed to prayers to the saint. The film also visits a prison where one inmate tattoos fellow inmates with the saint's image. The Catholic Church has attacked the worship of Saint Death; indeed, the film presents counterpoint in the voice of a priest who compares the saint to Satan. Combining compelling visuals with illuminating interviews, La Santa Muerte—narrated by Gael Garcia Bernal—presents a balanced and fascinating portrait of an unusual manifestation of faith. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (A. Jacobson)