Reviews: The Old Ways (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Fantasy, Demons
Subgenres: Supernatural, Twisted Mystery, Cursed, Dangerous Exploration, Folk Horror, Religion, Satanic, Western, Wilderness, Witchcraft
Our honest review of The Old Ways (2020) breaks down its scares, pacing, and whether this horror movie truly stands the test of time.
The Old Ways (2020), directed by Christopher Alender, is a chilling supernatural horror film that explores demonic possession, cultural identity, and ancient exorcism rituals. The story follows Cristina (Brigitte Kali Canales), a journalist of Mexican descent who returns to her ancestral homeland for a story, only to find herself kidnapped by a local bruja (witch) and her assistant, who believe she is possessed by a demon.
The Old Ways (2020) – A Haunting Dive into Exorcism and Cultural Horror
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
As Cristina struggles to convince her captors of her innocence, she begins to experience terrifying visions and unexplainable occurrences, leading her to question whether she truly has a malevolent force inside her. The film blends traditional exorcism horror with a deeper exploration of reconnecting with one’s lost cultural heritage, making it more than just a conventional possession story.
Acting and Cinematography
Brigitte Kali Canales delivers a strong, emotionally charged performance, perfectly capturing Cristina’s skepticism, fear, and eventual transformation. The supporting cast, particularly Sal Lopez as Javi and Julia Vera as Luz, add an eerie authenticity to the film’s occult elements.
Cinematographer Adam Lee creates a suffocating, claustrophobic atmosphere, with dimly lit interiors and unsettling close-ups that heighten the tension. The film’s use of traditional Mexican folklore and ritualistic imagery adds a fresh cultural dimension to the exorcism subgenre, making the horror feel uniquely grounded in reality.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Christopher Alender delivers a slow-burning, atmospheric horror film that gradually builds suspense rather than relying on cheap jump scares. The practical effects and disturbing possession sequences feel raw and unsettling, setting The Old Ways apart from more Hollywood-style exorcism films.
However, the film’s limited setting—mostly confined to a small hut—may feel restrictive for some viewers. While the cultural depth is appreciated, the narrative occasionally struggles to maintain momentum, and some horror fans may find the slower pace less engaging compared to traditional exorcism films.
Final Verdict & Score: 7/10
The Old Ways is a fresh take on the exorcism genre, blending supernatural terror with cultural folklore. It offers strong performances, an immersive atmosphere, and an unnerving exploration of identity and tradition. While it may not reinvent the genre, it stands out as an effective, slow-burning horror experience that feels distinct and memorable.
Similar films like The Old Ways can be found in demon movies sub-genre(s), check them out for more movies like The Old Ways.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Old Ways Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 6.38/10
- IMDB: 5.4/10
- MetaCritic: 6.7/10
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