Perfect Obedience

The fictional Father Ángel de la Cruz is based on Legion of Christ founder Marcial Maciel, whose long history of child abuse was not addressed until 2006 and only publicly acknowledged in 2009. But director Luis Urquiza chooses to structure his film through the largely uncomprehending, wondering eyes of 13-year-old Julián, who travels from the arms of his loving pastoral family into the austere, hallowed halls of the seminary. Singling out the boy as his intimate disciple, installing him in his palatial private quarters and redubbing him “Sacramento Santos,” Father Ángel begins Julian’s instruction into the mysteries of “perfect obedience,” whose cardinal rule is: Never question a superior’s actions.

Cast

Juan Manuel Bernal

Padre Ángel de la Cruz

Alfonso Herrera

Julián Santos (Adulto)

Luis Ernesto Franco

Padre Robles

Sebastián Aguirre

Julián 'Sacramento' Santos

Alejandro De Hoyos

Alberto Martínez

Claudette Maillé

Señora Alcérreca

Juan Ignacio Aranda

Padre Galaviz

Miguel Loyo

Andrés Lomelí

Luciana González de León

Sierva de Cristo

Juan Carlos Colombo

Padre Ángel de la Cruz (anciano)