Barrio Tales

Barrio Tales is a distinctive horror anthology, released in 2012, and is the debut directorial venture of Jarret Tarnol. The movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Alexander Aguila, Carson Aune, and Adam Beesely, among others. Tarnol, along with Brent Tarnol, also penned the intriguing script, drawing from different urban legends and folk myths, primarily of Mexican origin, and giving them a fresh, horror spin.

The movie starts with two American teenagers who are in Mexico to buy drugs, attempting to exploit the cheaper prices. In a turn of events, they run into a creepy local named Pedro (Alexander Aguila), the major storyteller of the movie, who ensures them shelter and drugs, only if they agree to listen to his hair-raising tales from the ‘barrio’ or neighborhood. What follows are three different vignettes, each darker and scarier than the last, unified by the overarching narrative.

In the first tale, titled "Maria," Adam Beesely takes center stage as a corrupt landowner who exploits the farm workers. Here, the plot delves into the Mexican folklore of La Llorona, the weeping woman, combining elements of the supernatural revenge story with human greed and treachery. The storyline examines the complex and often exploitative relations between the landowners and their laborers and culminates in a chilling climax.

The second story, "Uncle Tio’s Taco Truck," introduces us to Uncle Tio, a suspicious taco truck owner, played by Aguila. Here, the plot focuses on Tio’s unique manner of dealing with trouble-making kids and his secret recipe for success. What seems like a harmless, local food truck story takes a horrifying turn as Uncle Tio's true nature becomes apparent. This segment skilfully combines dark humor with the classic ‘eat or be eaten’ horror trope, delivering a story that keeps you on edge with its unpredictability.

The concluding tale, "The Monster," is a biting commentary on prejudice, power dynamics, and brutality. It revolves around a group of white supremacists who run into trouble when they try to enforce their ideas. Portrayed by Carson Aune, the group leader learns the hard way that appearances can be deceiving, and monsters come in all shapes and sizes. This part does a remarkable job of incorporating social issues into an engaging horror narrative.

Throughout Barrio Tales, there's a shared theme of real-world monstrosities that comprise the real horror compared to fictional monsters and ghouls. It intelligently scrutinizes the flawed human nature and societal inequalities through a horror lens, mixing the brutally real with elements of the bizarre and supernatural. The movie combines classic twists, suspenseful buildups, and terrifying pay-offs while offering both bone-chilling scares and thought-provoking moments.

On a technical front, the movie excels with atmospheric cinematography, capturing the essence of the barrio with its gritty and haunting shots. The complex characters, efficiently portrayed by the talented cast, also contribute significantly to the movie’s appeal. Alexander Aguila, Carson Aune, and Adam Beesely excel in their respective roles, carrying the narrative forward with their convincing performances.

In conclusion, Barrio Tales is an uncommon blend of horror and social commentary that explores much more than just horrific tales. It uses horror as a medium to touch upon grave social issues and the darkness within the human psyche. So, if you are a horror aficionado who appreciates depth-filled narratives with a social touch, Barrio Tales is a movie you should consider watching.