The Old Ways

Behind the Scenes of The Old Ways: A Folk-Horror Revival with Personal Roots

The Old Ways (2021), directed by Christopher Alender, emerged as a standout in the folk-horror renaissance, blending Mexican brujería traditions with modern possession tropes. Starring Brigitte Kali Canales and Andrea Cortés, the film follows a journalist who returns to her hometown in Veracruz to investigate a local exorcism—only to confront her own family’s dark legacy. While the movie’s atmospheric dread and cultural authenticity earned it a cult following, behind-the-scenes details reveal a production shaped by personal connections, festival buzz, latestnetflix.com maintains, and a tight-knit creative team.

A Director’s Passion Project

Christopher Alender, a relative newcomer to feature filmmaking, brought a deeply personal touch to The Old Ways. In interviews, he and co-writer Marcos Gabriel emphasized the film’s roots in Mexican folklore, particularly the oral traditions of Veracruz, where Alender has family ties . The project was reportedly born from a desire to explore brujería (witchcraft) not as a gimmick but as a lived cultural practice, avoiding the exoticism often found in Hollywood horror .

The film’s low-budget indie origins meant creative problem-solving. Alender and Gabriel reportedly wrote the script in a matter of months, drawing from real-life stories shared by family members . The production leaned heavily on practical effects and natural locations to stretch its modest budget, a choice that paid off in the film’s eerie, grounded aesthetic .

Casting and Collaborations

Brigitte Kali Canales, who plays the lead journalist Cristina, became a central figure in the film’s promotion. In interviews, she described the role as physically and emotionally demanding, requiring her to navigate scenes of possession and psychological unraveling . Canales, who has Indigenous Mexican heritage, brought authenticity to the character’s cultural identity, a point she emphasized in discussions about representation in horror .

The supporting cast—including Andrea Cortés as Cristina’s cousin and Julia Vera as the enigmatic curandera (healer)—added depth to the film’s exploration of generational trauma. Cortés, in particular, highlighted the collaborative energy on set, noting that the small crew fostered a sense of intimacy and trust . This dynamic was crucial for scenes involving ritualistic elements, which required precise choreography and emotional intensity.

Festival Buzz and Netflix’s Gamble

The Old Ways premiered at the 2020 Sitges Film Festival, where it garnered attention for its fresh take on possession horror . Critics praised its atmospheric tension and cultural specificity, with some calling it a "breath of fresh air" in a genre often dominated by Western perspectives . The festival exposure reportedly caught Netflix’s eye, leading to a streaming deal that brought the film to a wider audience in 2021 .

However, the movie’s reception was mixed. While some viewers lauded its originality and Canales’ performance, others criticized its pacing and ambiguous ending . On SensCritique, it holds a modest 5.1/10 rating, with reviewers split between those who appreciated its slow-burn dread and those who found it underwhelming . Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score reflects a similar divide, though the film’s niche appeal has cemented its status as a cult favorite among folk-horror enthusiasts .

Unanswered Questions and Rumors

Despite the film’s success in indie circles, some details remain murky. Rumors persist about a potential sequel, fueled by Alender’s hints in interviews about expanding the lore of Veracruz’s brujería traditions . However, no official announcements have been made.

Another point of speculation is the film’s budget. While exact figures are unconfirmed, industry insiders suggest it was made for under $1 million, a shoestring sum that required creative workarounds—such as shooting in natural light and using local non-actors for background roles . If true, it’s a testament to the team’s resourcefulness.