De amores y delitos: El alma del maíz

This anthology film explores dark, magical realism themes across three distinct stories. The first, 'El alma del maíz', follows a young woman who becomes involved with a mysterious, ancient entity connected to a sacred cornfield. The second, 'Las flores de la noche', delves into the story of a transvestite prostitute in Mexico City who finds solace and danger in the night. The third segment, 'Las llaves de la noche', focuses on a young boy's eerie encounters with supernatural beings and his struggle against an oppressive reality.

As an early work by Guillermo del Toro, 'De amores y delitos: El alma del maíz' received limited distribution but has since gained a cult following among fans of his distinctive gothic horror style. While not as polished as his later films, it showcases his early mastery of atmosphere and thematic depth, exploring themes of folklore, identity, and the supernatural with a unique Mexican sensibility. Critics at the time noted its raw talent and ambitious storytelling, though its independent nature limited widespread critical discourse.

• Praised for its atmospheric and surreal horror elements.

• Appreciated for its exploration of Mexican folklore and magical realism.

• Noted for showcasing del Toro's early directorial vision and thematic preoccupations.

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This film is actually an anthology made up of three short films: 'El alma del maíz', 'Las flores de la noche', and 'Las llaves de la noche'. The 'El alma del maíz' segment was directed by Guillermo del Toro, while the other two were directed by him and two other directors, respectively.