Rosario (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
When a film dares to blend generational trauma, cultural heritage, and supernatural horror, expectations run high—especially in an era where horror has evolved into a tool for exploring identity. Rosario (2025), directed by Felipe Vargas and written by Alan Trezza, arrives with such ambition. It’s a moody, claustrophobic tale set during a snowstorm, following a successful Wall Street stockbroker forced to confront her roots—and the curse that comes with them.
But does Rosario live up to its potential? Kind of.
Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and where you can stream Rosario online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: Horror Beneath the Surface
Rosario Fuentes (played by Emeraude Toubia) returns to her late grandmother’s decaying apartment during a brutal snowstorm. As she awaits the arrival of emergency services, strange occurrences unfold. The corpse doesn’t stay still, the walls seem to breathe, and ancestral rituals begin to resurface—literally. Rosario discovers a hidden chamber filled with occult relics, revealing her family’s ties to Palo Mayombe and dark spiritual practices.
The setup? Intriguing.
The execution? Less so.
A Cultural Exploration… That Needed More Nuance
One of Rosario‘s most compelling aspects is its cultural lens. The use of Palo Mayombe, the integration of Spanish dialogue, and the attempt to reclaim ancestral identity through horror set it apart from typical demonic possession films. The film has an unapologetically Latino voice, which is refreshing and timely.
Yet, that same strength is sometimes treated superficially. The film introduces these beliefs without fully exploring their spiritual or emotional depth. At times, it feels like the movie is ticking off boxes for “cultural representation” rather than weaving these elements into a rich, lived experience.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Emeraude Toubia gives a solid, albeit occasionally flat, performance as Rosario. Her portrayal lacks the emotional range you’d expect from someone discovering a family curse and fighting off demonic entities. The story demands raw vulnerability and terror, but instead, we often get confused stares and muted panic.
David Dastmalchian, on the other hand, is magnetic as the cryptic neighbor. Unfortunately, he’s underused. He injects an eerie unpredictability into his scenes, and you can’t help but wish the film gave him more to do.
Visuals and Style: Atmosphere Over Substance
There’s no denying Felipe Vargas has an eye for gothic horror aesthetics. The film is saturated with shadowy greens and ominous reds that recall the style of Mario Bava or early James Wan. The snowstorm adds to the feeling of isolation, and the apartment itself is a perfect horror setting—tight, creaky, and packed with secrets.
However, the visual direction is let down by poor lighting and overused jump scares. Some sequences are so dark they border on unwatchable, not in a moody sense but in a “can’t see anything” kind of way.
The Horror Element: Predictable and Repetitive
Sadly, the scares don’t live up to the setup. Most are telegraphed, relying on a formulaic pattern: swelling music, silence, close-up, and BOOM—jump scare. Rinse and repeat. While a few effects (especially involving body horror and worms) land well, they’re too few and far between to sustain tension.
This repetition dilutes any real fear and ultimately makes the film feel like a mid-tier possession flick rather than the groundbreaking cultural horror it aims to be.
Themes: Generational Trauma Meets Capitalism
At its heart, Rosario attempts to explore the tension between heritage and assimilation. Rosario is a modern Latina woman thriving in finance, far removed from her spiritual lineage. Her journey back to her grandmother’s home symbolizes a reconnection—painful, eerie, and unsettling.
There’s also a buried subtext about immigrant identity and the cost of “success” in America. But the film struggles to communicate these themes without spoon-feeding them or making them feel tacked on. Important moments—like Rosario discovering that her grandmother cursed her—are glossed over without emotional payoff.
Where to Watch Rosario (2025) Online
If you’re still curious, Rosario is available for streaming and rental on several platforms in the U.S.:
Streaming Platforms:
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Apple TV
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Spectrum On Demand
Purchase or Rental:
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Google Play Movies & TV
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Apple TV
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Amazon Video
Always check availability, as it may vary depending on your location and subscription.
Final Verdict: A Decent Attempt That Fell Short
Rosario is a film full of promise: a fresh cultural perspective, a strong lead actress, atmospheric visuals, and solid creature effects. But it ultimately falters due to weak writing, recycled horror tropes, and underdeveloped characters.
It’s not a total misfire. There are moments of genuine eeriness and flashes of visual brilliance. And for those interested in Latino folklore, Rosario does scratch the surface of something more profound.
But in the end, it’s a movie that you watch, think “that could’ve been great,” and move on.
Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy possession horror with cultural flavor and can overlook a few missteps, Rosario might be worth a late-night stream. But if you’re looking for groundbreaking storytelling or deep emotional horror, this one might leave you cold—like the snowstorm Rosario is trapped in.
Have you watched Rosario? Share your thoughts in the comments—did the cultural elements resonate with you or fall flat? And if you’re into horror with a cultural twist, don’t forget to bookmark our blog for more film reviews and streaming guides.
