Perfect Obedience

In the thought-provoking drama Perfect Obedience, released in 2014, director Luis Urquiza delves into the complex and troubling world of religious authority through the eyes of a young boy, Julián. As a 13-year-old with a loving pastoral upbringing, Julián's life takes a dramatic turn when he is invited to the prestigious seminary under the mentorship of the charismatic Father Ángel de la Cruz. The film explores Julián's initial awe and subsequent disillusionment as he becomes entangled in a system that prizes absolute obedience over individual questioning. This chilling narrative is intricately woven with themes of power, manipulation, and the haunting consequences of blind faith.

The character of Father Ángel, inspired by the controversial figure Marcial Maciel, embodies both the charm and the sinister undertones of authority in a religious context. As he transforms Julián into his favored disciple, renaming him “Sacramento Santos,” the boy's journey shifts from innocent curiosity to a profound internal struggle. The film thoughtfully critiques the concept of unquestioning loyalty and raises unsettling questions about morality within institutions that are often held above reproach. With a measured pace and a keen focus on emotional depth, Perfect Obedience invites viewers to reflect on the nature of faith, the cost of obedience, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst darkness.