If you’ve been waiting for a horror movie that takes its premise as seriously as a demon’s nasty mood swings, then Belzebuth might just be your next terrifying obsession. Directed by Emilio Portes and starring Joaquín Cosío (playing the brooding detective Ritter), Tobin Bell (yes, that Tobin Bell) and a parade of creepy characters, this Mexican horror film delivers the sort of chaotic, sinister charm that will make you question your faith in both the paranormal and your ability to ever trust a nursery worker again.
The Premise: Babies, Blood, and Belzebuth – Oh My!
Let’s get one thing straight: Belzebuth opens with a premise so messed up, you’ll find yourself staring at the screen wondering if you accidentally clicked on a documentary about the most disturbing daycare center ever. The movie kicks off with a seemingly joyous moment—a new dad, Emmanuel Ritter, celebrates the birth of his son. But hold onto your horror-loving hats, because things go south faster than you can say “demon possession.”
As Ritter leaves the hospital room, a nurse (who might just be the embodiment of every parent’s worst nightmare) takes a scalpel and starts doing some unsolicited surgery on the newborns. And not in a “fixing things up” way. Oh no—she slaughters the babies and then, just to make things extra dark, slits her own throat. Now, if that didn’t make you sit up and question your life choices, then what are you even doing reading this?
The sheer audacity of this opening scene sets the tone for the entire film: unrelenting, unhinged, and ready to throw a satanic tantrum at every turn. So buckle up—Belzebuth doesn’t ask for your trust, it demands your suspension of disbelief while simultaneously making you wonder if you’ve been cursed just by watching it.
The Plot: It’s Not Just A Demon, It’s a Full-On Paranormal Investigation!
Fast forward a few years, and Ritter (now emotionally damaged and probably a walking ad for therapy) is working as a detective, unable to get past the horrific massacre of his son. So, what does he do to cope? He embarks on a thrilling paranormal investigation (naturally, right?) after a series of bizarre and gory massacres happen in his area. Forget therapy; nothing says “I’m dealing with my trauma” like tracking down an excommunicated priest and chasing after an evil force that might just be worse than your childhood trauma. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve done something thisrational after a traumatic event, well… I’d be dead. But hey, it works for Ritter. Maybe.
What makes Belzebuth so entertaining (and, let’s be real, wild) is its ability to seamlessly blend a police procedural with supernatural horror. Ritter’s investigation into the horrifying events takes him deeper into the realm of demons and dark rituals than anyone would have ever wanted, and that’s where the movie truly shines—its uncomfortable mix of reality and the supernatural.
The real star of the show here is the demonic force, Belzebuth. I mean, if you’re going to name a film after a demon, you better deliver—and Belzebuth does not disappoint. It serves up its demonic antagonist like a fiery, nasty, malevolent entity that leaves a trail of blood, guts, and chaos in its wake. What’s great about the film’s take on the demon is that it doesn’t need to throw in a bunch of exposition to explain why it’s so evil. It just is. And that’s enough.
The Characters: More Than Just A Bunch of Victims
While most horror films will give you one or two cardboard-cutout characters (with a sprinkle of “sacrificial lambs”), Belzebuth serves up a slew of characters that feel like they could be in a police procedural and a ghost story simultaneously.
First, there’s Ritter, our weary detective, played by Joaquín Cosío. He’s like the haunted uncle at the family reunion who’s been through too much and still won’t shut up about his conspiracy theories, except here, his theories are 100% true—and everyone else is just too busy ignoring his warnings. Ritter’s character arc isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, but he’s definitely the right kind of flawed and gritty to make his investigation feel like it matters. Plus, who doesn’t love watching a grown man try to piece together a series of massacres while getting all sorts of demonically possessed in the process?
Then, of course, there’s the iconic Tobin Bell—yes, Jigsaw himself—who brings the gravitas to the film. Bell’s role as Vasilio Canetti, an excommunicated priest, is not just a throwaway cameo but an important piece in the puzzle of unmasking Belzebuth’s true nature. Every time Bell speaks, it’s like the sound of distant bells tolling—ominous, foreboding, and filled with an unsettling wisdom. Just imagine being stuck in a room with him for more than ten minutes—it’s heaven for horror lovers.
The Horror: Where Jump Scares Meet Jumping The Shark
Belzebuth doesn’t just rely on classic horror tropes like the evil doll or the unexplainable sounds coming from the attic. Oh no, this film takes it up a notch. It’s got everything—a demon that’s seriously invested in the murder business, children’s bodies being used for blood sacrifices, and a religious figure who can’t even keep a straight face while explaining the finer points of dealing with dark forces. Honestly, there’s never a dull moment. This isn’t your average horror film where the characters wander aimlessly for 45 minutes and then all the scary stuff happens at the end. Nope. Belzebuth grabs you by the throat from the first minute and never lets go, right up until the final “shocking” revelation.
And speaking of the jumpscares—if you’re into that brand of terror, then Belzebuth knows how to deliver. The film’s jump-scare game is relentless. But here’s the twist: you kind of expect them, and that’s what makes them so fun! You’re not just sitting there terrified; you’re gleefully anticipating the next surprise. It’s like playing a game of “Will This Demon Finally Tear Someone Apart Or Just Give Them A Fright?” and honestly, it’s the best game to play.
Conclusion: You Won’t Need a Priest After Watching This
At the end of the day, Belzebuth isn’t winning any Oscars for its deep character analysis or groundbreaking narrative. But what it is doing is delivering exactly what you want from a supernatural horror film: it’s unapologetically grotesque, filled with twists and turns that keep you on your toes, and has a villain so diabolical you might just wonder if you’re looking at an old family portrait. If you’re looking for a horror flick that knows its audience—people who want a dash of exorcism with their demons, a pinch of detective work with their blood-soaked rituals, and a whole lot of evil—it delivers that in spades.
So, sit back, grab your popcorn (just be sure to keep your cross close), and enjoy Belzebuth for what it is: an unsettling, devilishly fun ride through the dark side of Mexican horror.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (I mean, what else do you expect from a movie with this much possessed chaos?)
