ReelBob: ‘The Old Ways’ ★★★

By Bob Bloom

“The Old Ways” in an apt title for this old-fashioned possession-exorcism movie that contains horror elements but is more about retaining your soul than things that go bump in the night.

Journalist Cristina Lopez returns to find her roots in Mexico and her cousin, Miranda Flores, whom she has not seen since she was a child.

Cristina was taken away after her mother died mysteriously.

In the jungles of Veracruz, Cristina explores a cave that she was warned by her cousin to avoid.

The next thing Cristina knows she is shackled in a dirty room and being force-fed goat’s milk.

Cristina is being held captive by Luz, an elderly bruja or shaman who is convinced the young woman is possessed by a demon.

The journalist is possessed — by her addiction to heroin.

But the old woman believes that Postehki, an actual demon, has entered Cristina’s body.

Of course, Cristina is totally disbelieving. She thinks the old woman and her son are mad, superstitious, ignorant peasants.

Worse yet, her cousin will not raise a finger to help, sure that Luz is correct.

Luz begins performing various rituals on Cristina, which leads to several strange and terrifying situations. Bloody things are pulled from her body; she begins having visions or hallucinations. Yet, she remains convinced that nothing is wrong with her.

It’s kind of gory, but no worse than your typical slasher film. And it does include the usual jump cuts to make your heart race.

“The Old Ways” is not so much about the physical demons that may possess people; it’s more about the emotional and mental manifestations of the demons that burden our souls and psyches.

The movie, directed by Christopher Alender, is more Mexican mythology than the traditional Catholic trappings we see in these sorts of movies.

Brigitte Kali Canales as Cristina transforms from angry skeptic to avowed believer as the film progresses. Fiercely independent, she demands her freedom and slowly accepts the help — passed down from generation to generation — from the old bruja.

“The Old Ways” will hold your attention. It is a bit scary, but also a story that shows people willing to help those suffering and in pain without, as Cristina says, turning away in disgust.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, 4K UHD, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob.com or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.

THE OLD WAYS
3 stars out of 4
Not rated, bloody and scary images, language