You are here:

Barrio Tales

Name: Barrio Tales
Director: Jarret Tarnol
Released: 2012
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

2012

PG-13

Director

Jarret Tarnol

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Barrio Tales follows a conventional horror format that prioritizes visceral thrills over social commentary. The narrative structure relies on the 'outsider in a dangerous foreign land' cliché, reinforcing traditional Western perspectives. While the cast includes ethnic variety, the power dynamics suggest a colonialist viewpoint. The protagonists enter a underrepresented Mexican setting for illicit reasons, framing the local environment as a site of danger and disturbance. Ultimately, the film lacks depth in representing diverse identities and social critiques.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Barrio Tales have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender identities. It focuses on traditional horror themes.

How does Barrio Tales portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on American teenagers, often defaulting to masculine roles. Female characters are present but do not take leading roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Barrio Tales?

Fair

The film features a diverse cast and is set in Mexico. However, the plot follows a cliché where Westerners enter a dangerous foreign environment.

How does Barrio Tales represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes supernatural thrills while exoticizing the setting. It does not address systemic issues.

Does Barrio Tales include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about characters with disabilities. The focus is on witches and cannibalism.

Present on Screen

The cast includes ethnic variety, such as Alexander Aguila.
The film uses a diverse setting in Mexico.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on colonialist clichés of Westerners entering foreign spaces.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ and disabled characters.
The film lacks strong female protagonists or challenges to gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Two American teenagers in search of cheap drugs, trespass into the seedy town of Barrio, Mexico. What they find instead is a disturbed story teller and three tales filled with blood, witches and a cannibalistic taco chef.

How are these scores produced? →