Expanded Review: Pedro Páramo (2024)

Rodrigo Prieto’s Pedro Páramo adaptation has received both praise and criticism. 


Admirers highlight the film's loyalty to Juan Rulfo's literary essence, accentuating its rich visual storytelling and emotive musical score by Gustavo Santaolalla.


Prieto's direction and Nico Aguilar’s cinematography envelop viewers in an atmosphere that blurs the lines between the real and the supernatural, capturing the novel’s essence.


However, some critics argue that the film's non-linear narrative, while faithful to Rulfo's fragmented structure, can feel disorienting, potentially alienating those unfamiliar with the source material. This complexity might overshadow character development and make the story difficult to follow for viewers new to the tale.



Despite this, Pedro Páramo stands as an ambitious cinematic tribute that visually and thematically embodies the Mexican masterpiece, resonating most strongly with audiences keen on reflective and surreal cinema.