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The Black Widow
The Black Widow
7.6
/10
610 Ratings

THE BLACK WIDOW

La Viuda Negra

Directed by Arturo Ripstein
Mexico, 1977
Drama

Synopsis

In a small Mexican town, the orphan Matea assists parish priest Father Feliciano. When the village doctor fails to seduce her, he spreads rumors that she is involved with the priest. Outraged, the villagers demand that she leave. But the priest hides her away—and they begin a passionate love affair.

Synopsis

In a small Mexican town, the orphan Matea assists parish priest Father Feliciano. When the village doctor fails to seduce her, he spreads rumors that she is involved with the priest. Outraged, the villagers demand that she leave. But the priest hides her away—and they begin a passionate love affair.

Our take

Bishops forced Arturo Ripstein’s controversial ‘70s drama to stay out of Mexican cinemas for years—thanks in part to the film’s sleazy yet sublime portrayal of the erotic life of a priest and his mistress. The Black Widow stars Mexican icon Isela Vega as the film’s irresistible femme fatale.