American Carnage (2022) | Film Review

Directors inserting their perspectives on a controversial topic into a film’s script can be dicey. Sometimes, the effort is less seamless and clever, coming across as a forced opinion. American Carnage defies that potential by inserting a subtle, heartbreaking commentary on the way Latinos and Hispanics are treated in America, regardless of their legal standing.

One of the things I love about American Carnage is that the opening credits feel like a talk show host introducing the next celebrity to come out like Vanna White just heard a vowel. This montage depicts the ideal America where everyone is accepted and valued for their contributions including Latinos, before transitioning to the reality of America’s disgusting history of racism.

From the very real viral footage of a white woman yelling at a Hispanic man because he’s Mexican and being told “you’re rapists”, to a former he-who-must-not-be-named President rallying white communities around racist rhetoric, the Latino/Hispanic community being treated like garbage has been in front of our faces all along. If you missed it, you clearly haven’t been paying attention.

There’s no mistaking that director Diego Hallivis and co-writer Julio Hallivis are telling their viewers whatever proceeds is an obvious depiction of America. Taking it further, that those discriminating against Latinos/Hispanics in the U.S. are simply looking for a villain in order to make themselves feel like the hero. I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely met these folks and the math checks out.

When the Governor (Brett Cullen) issues an executive order to address undocumented immigrants as a re-election stunt, JR (Jorge Lendenborg Jr), his sister Lily (Yumarie Morales), and their mother are all removed from their home during an ICE raid. We learn that not only does Gov. Finn want to deport all undocumented individuals, he’s also detained family members for “aiding and abetting an illegal alien”.

Despite being American-born citizens, JR’s public attorney encourages him to participate in the COVE program at Owl Cove, founded by Eddie (Eric Dane), to get his charges dismissed and save his mother from deportation, otherwise he’ll be forced to take his case to court. Not much of a choice.

Electing to “volunteer” at Owl Cove means JR and his Goonies tribe will be taking care of elderly patients, but very quickly they notice something is very off here. American Carnage eases into its horror flick roots and puts a fun twist on audience’s expectations by the end. Most of the horror elements in the film are body horror, with some pretty impressive body contortions. 

Among JR’s pals is Camila (Jenna Ortega), that ready-to-fight spunky, short girl who has no time to defend your dumb decisions. Ortega is always a great addition (see: The Fallout, Scream) and effortlessly ebbs and flows between the dynamic character moods. Being able to steal a film is Ortega’s sweet spot, which just goes to show how stellar the rest of the cast is when they can meet her level of performance.

Micah (Bella Ortiz) tends to be JR’s right-hand in sorting out what’s really going on, but of course, adds to the cliché romance. More often than not, I didn’t feel connected to her character, which is of no reflection on Ortiz’s performance. Similarly, Chris’ (Jorge Diaz) role seems to serve the plot more than offer us a character to connect with, but Big Mac (Allen Maldonado) is a perfect blend of charm and humor that helps maintain the pace. Maldonado is my favorite because he is a full-body actor. He uses every body part, facial muscle, and voice change to appropriately respond with emotion without feeling like “too much”. Without him, American Carnage might feel too grim and depressing.

I will admit, some of the plot is fairly predictable, but still clever and entertaining nevertheless. By the end of the film, American Carnage reminds us just how disposable some White-Americans see Latin-Americans, a horror element all on its own.