Netflix’s ‘Pedro Páramo’: A Haunting Adaptation of Juan Rulfo’s Novel

Netflix‘s latest release, ‘Pedro Páramo,’ directed by Rodrigo Prieto, is an adaptation of Juan Rulfo’s 1955 novel of the same name. The film is a complex and evocative tale that delves into themes of death, familial ghosts, and the dark legacy of a ruthless patriarch.

The story follows Juan Preciado, played by Tenoch Huerta, who travels to the ghost town of Comala to fulfill a promise he made to his mother on her deathbed. Juan’s journey is driven by his desire to confront his father, Pedro Páramo, a man notorious for his licentiousness and abusive quest for wealth and power. Upon arrival, Juan finds a town in ruins and encounters a series of mysterious and ghostly figures, including Abundio, who is revealed to be his half-brother.

The film is characterized by its non-linear narrative and use of magic realism, which can make it disorienting and challenging to follow. Prieto’s directorial debut has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the film’s poetic and haunting vision, while others find it incoherent and frustratingly complex[3].

The cast includes Manuel García-Rulfo as Pedro Páramo, along with Dolores Heredia, Ilse Salas, and Héctor Kotsifakis. The film was released on Netflix on November 6, 2024, and has a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

The movie explores the generational evil perpetuated by the Paramo family, particularly through Pedro’s actions and their consequences on the town of Comala. The narrative is intertwined with themes of grief, exploitation, and the haunting presence of the past, making it a deeply emotional and thought-provoking watch.