Released on Netflix late last year, Pedro Páramo evokes unmistakable associations. What if Coco were reimagined as a dark, surreal horror story? Instead of a touching tale about family and remembrance, viewers are plunged into a bleak atmosphere filled with vengeful spirits, desolation, and overwhelming despair.
What Is the Film About?
The protagonist, a young man named Juan Preciado, arrives in the remote town of Comala to fulfill his mother’s dying wish. She urges him to find his estranged father, Pedro Páramo — a powerful landowner who abandoned them years ago. However, upon his arrival, Juan discovers that Comala is nothing more than a ghost town, inhabited solely by echoes of the past — spirits of the dead whose fates are tightly bound to his father.
It soon becomes evident that Pedro Páramo is not just a man, but a monster. He ruled the town through terror, ruining countless lives to maintain his dominance. Now, his story unfolds before Juan through eerie visions and ghostly confessions.
Why Does Pedro Páramo Resemble Coco?
Like Coco, the film revolves around a journey into the realm of the dead. However, where Pixar crafted a vibrant and hopeful world, Pedro Páramo presents a grim and merciless vision.
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The protagonist embarks on a journey linked to his family’s past.
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Instead of encountering friendly skeletons, he is faced with tormented souls.
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His father plays a central role in the story, yet unlike the charismatic Ernesto de la Cruz, Pedro Páramo is a true tyrant.
What Went Wrong?
Director Rodrigo Prieto (cinematographer of Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon) delivers a visually stunning yet emotionally hollow debut. While the film attempts to capture the magical realism of Juan Rulfo’s novel, it becomes too fixated on aesthetics, losing narrative depth in the process.
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The atmosphere is haunting, but the emotional impact is lacking.
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Beautiful cinematography is overshadowed by Netflix-style CGI-heavy effects.
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The film struggles to balance horror, drama, and crime, never fully settling into one genre.
Is It Worth Watching?
If you enjoy slow-burning, atmospheric supernatural tales, Pedro Páramo might capture your interest. However, if you’re looking for a gripping plot and emotional depth, the film may leave you indifferent.
While it’s certainly not a rip-off of Coco, the similarities are undeniable. The difference? There’s no warmth or soul here — only a desolate town, tormented spirits, and the dark legacy of a ruthless ruler.
