The Old Ways

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 5, 2021

Genre
Horror, Fantasy, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Brigitte Kali Canales as Cristina Lopez
• Andrea Cortés as Miranda
• Julia Vera as Luz
• Sal Lopez as Javi
• AJ Bowen as Carson

Director
Christopher Alender

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Eye of the Storm (2011)

Producer
Hank Hoffman, T. Justin Ross, Christopher Alender

Writer
Marcos Gabriel

Budget
Estimated $1-2 million

Production Company
Soapbox Films

Running Time
90 minutes

Languages
English, Spanish

Maturity Rating
TV-MA (for violence, disturbing images, and language)

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Supernatural themes
• Disturbing imagery
• Ritualistic horror

Movie Story
“The Old Ways” is a horror film that delves into the world of ancient rituals and exorcisms, set against the backdrop of Veracruz, Mexico. The story follows Cristina Lopez (Brigitte Kali Canales), a Mexican-American journalist who returns to her ancestral homeland to investigate stories of witchcraft and indigenous rituals. While exploring a mysterious cave, Cristina is captured by local villagers who believe she is possessed by a demon.

Cristina is held captive by Luz (Julia Vera), a bruja (witch) who practices ancient exorcism rituals. As the rituals progress, Cristina struggles to understand whether she is truly possessed or if the villagers are simply mistaking her for a demon. Her skepticism begins to wane as she experiences increasingly terrifying and supernatural occurrences.

Throughout the film, Cristina is forced to confront her own past, including a traumatic event from her childhood that she has long suppressed. As the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, Cristina must decide whether to trust Luz and undergo the full exorcism ritual or escape before it’s too late.

“The Old Ways” explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the clash between modern skepticism and ancient beliefs. The film is steeped in Mexican folklore, drawing on traditional rituals and the deep-rooted fear of the supernatural in rural communities. The horror elements are driven by the psychological tension of Cristina’s predicament and the eerie, ritualistic atmosphere created by her captors.

Special Effects
The special effects in “The Old Ways” are used to heighten the film’s atmosphere of dread and the unsettling nature of the exorcism rituals. Practical effects and makeup are employed to create disturbing imagery that complements the supernatural themes. The film also uses sound design and lighting to build tension, particularly during the ritual scenes where the line between reality and the supernatural becomes increasingly blurred.

Box Office Performance
“The Old Ways” was released on streaming platforms, including Netflix, where it gained attention for its unique take on exorcism horror and its focus on Mexican culture and folklore. While it did not have a traditional box office release, the film was well-received by horror fans, particularly those interested in stories that explore cultural and spiritual themes.

Filming Locations

• Veracruz, Mexico

Notable Quotes

• “The demon inside you is as old as these lands. It knows the old ways.” – Luz
• “Sometimes we must look to the past to understand our present.” – Luz

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Christopher Alender and writer Marcos Gabriel collaborated closely to create a film that was both authentic to Mexican culture and deeply rooted in horror. The production team worked with cultural consultants to ensure that the rituals and folklore depicted in the film were accurate and respectful. The film’s setting in Veracruz was chosen for its historical significance and its connection to indigenous traditions, which play a central role in the story.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The Old Ways” is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that offers a fresh perspective on the exorcism genre by grounding its story in Mexican folklore and cultural heritage. Brigitte Kali Canales delivers a strong performance as Cristina, capturing the character’s journey from skepticism to terror as she grapples with the possibility of demonic possession. The film’s focus on ancient rituals and its exploration of identity and cultural roots add depth to the horror, making it a compelling watch for fans of supernatural thrillers. “The Old Ways” stands out for its unique setting and its ability to blend traditional horror elements with cultural storytelling.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10