The Old Ways Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A journalist goes to Mexico, gets kidnapped, and forced to drink goat milk to cure her alleged demon problem, only to realize she actually needs to embrace her inner witch to solve everyone’s problems.

🍿 The Old Ways: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Cristina’s Return and Abduction

Cristina, a Mexican-American journalist, returns to her ancestral home in Veracruz to investigate local folklore and sorcery. She ventures into a forbidden cave, La Boca, where she is promptly kidnapped by local villagers. They believe she is possessed by a powerful demon.

The Exorcism Begins

Cristina is held captive and subjected to traditional Nahua exorcism rituals led by Luz, a local bruja (witch). Initially skeptical, Cristina grapples with the painful and disturbing events unfolding, including visions and physical manifestations of the supposed demon. Her heroin addiction further complicates her perception of reality.

Confronting Postehki

As the rituals intensify, Cristina learns about the demon, Postehki, and its connection to her past trauma and addiction. She realizes Postehki feeds on her brokenness and has lured her back to Veracruz to consume her entirely. Giving up her heroin, she decides to fight the demon.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cristina (Brigitte Kali Canales): A journalist battling addiction who returns to her ancestral home and is believed to be possessed.
• Luz (Julia Vera): The Nahua bruja who attempts to exorcise the demon from Cristina, following ancient traditions.
• Javi (Sal Lopez): A local man assisting Luz in the exorcism, dedicated to the old ways.
• Miranda (Andrea Cortés): Cristina’s cousin who helps bring her to Luz, later becomes involved in the demonic events.
• Carson (AJ Bowen): Cristina’s editor, who comes to Veracruz and becomes another target for possession.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Luz: “She has it.” – Luz, the bruja, says this upon first examining Cristina, confirming her possession.
• Cristina: “What do you want from me?” – Cristina says this out of desperation while being held captive and undergoing the exorcism rituals.
• Postehki (as Cristina): “I am the death god of broken things.” – The demon Postehki reveals its nature through Cristina during a ritual.
• Cristina: “Let’s finish this.” – Cristina shows resolve, taking on the mantle of the bruja to confront the demon and save her cousin.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Old Ways Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting another run-of-the-mill exorcism flick, but The Old Ways really surprised me. I loved the Mexican folklore twist, and the whole Bruja vibe was super cool. The scene where Cristina is fighting the demon inside her was intense! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, wondering who she could trust. It made me jump a few times, but I wasn’t mad. I definitely recommend giving it a watch if you’re looking for something a little different.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of folk horror”
  • “Viewers interested in Mexican folklore and mythology”
  • “Those who enjoy exorcism movies with a unique twist”
  • “People who appreciate atmospheric horror over jump scares”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Gore”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Depiction of possession”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “The Old Ways offers a refreshing take on the exorcism genre with its focus on Latin American folklore and superstition, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere. While the plot may feel familiar, the film’s cultural elements and strong performances elevate it beyond typical horror fare.
• ScreenRant: “A chilling exploration of Latin American folklore, The Old Ways delivers a visually striking and suspenseful experience. The film’s strength lies in its ability to blend traditional horror elements with cultural authenticity, creating a captivating and thought-provoking narrative.
• IMDb User Review: “I enjoyed the film’s atmosphere and the different take on exorcism using hispanic superstition. The movie employs a Bruja, or a witch doctor, to cast the demon out of the body it is inhabiting. And admittedly, this means that there is some cool imagery at play, especially with the traditional rituals that the Bruja uses.

Audience Reactions

The film seamlessly weaves in cultural/folk ways that aren’t just random, offering a unique perspective on exorcism rituals.: Viewers praised the film’s refreshing take on the exorcism genre, highlighting the incorporation of Mexican folklore and the strong female leads.

The movie’s atmosphere is captivating, drawing viewers into a world of superstition and suspense right from the beginning.: Many appreciated the visually striking cinematography and the tense score, which heightened the overall sense of dread and mystery.

Overall Consensus: The Old Ways offers a refreshing and visually engaging take on the exorcism genre, blending traditional horror elements with Mexican folklore and strong female characters, though some found the plot predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film draws heavily on Nahua mythology and traditions, aiming for authenticity in its depiction of brujería (witchcraft).”
• “The filmmakers consulted with experts on Mesoamerican culture to ensure respectful and accurate representation of the rituals and beliefs.”
• “The remote location in Veracruz, Mexico, added to the film’s atmosphere but presented logistical challenges for the production.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Old Ways?

The Old Ways is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Purchase options may be available through platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for cable on-demand availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Old Ways, you might like these similar films:

• The Exorcist (1973): Classic possession and exorcism horror, providing a point of comparison for the themes and intensity.
• The Witch (2015): Explores themes of witchcraft, folklore, and cultural conflict within a family, similar to the cultural aspects of The Old Ways.
• A Dark Song (2016): Features occult rituals, dark magic, and a character’s descent into the supernatural, sharing a similar tone and atmosphere.
• From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): A cult classic that blends crime thriller elements with supernatural horror, set in Mexico with a strong Latino influence.

🛒 The Old Ways Related Products

• Mexican Folk Magic: Brujeria from the Trenches: Dive deeper into the traditions and beliefs of brujeria, the folk magic practiced in Mexico, and explore the rituals, spells, and spiritual practices that inspired the film.
• Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestler Mask: A hand-crafted Lucha Libre mask, embodying the spirit of Mexican culture and tradition. These are worn by luchadores (professional wrestlers in Mexico).
• Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) Skull Decor: A beautifully decorated Day of the Dead sugar skull, representing a key element of Mexican culture and spiritual traditions, often used to honor deceased loved ones.
• Mexican Blanket: Handwoven in Mexico, a vibrant Mexican blanket is great for picnics, yoga, decoration, or a cozy night in.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Old Ways features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Old Ways Suite” – performed by Mark Korven
• “Ceremony” – performed by Mark Korven

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Old Ways (2020) Explained in Hindi | Haunting Tube

Ever felt lost during ‘The Old Ways’? This Hindi explanation breaks down everything! Honestly, it clarified so much for me, especially the witchcraft elements. Give it a watch; it’s super helpful!

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