The fictional Father Ángel de la Cruz is based on Legion of Christ founder Marcial Maciel, whose long history of child abuse was not addressed until 2006 and only publicly acknowledged in 2009. But director Luis Urquiza chooses to structure his film through the largely uncomprehending, wondering eyes of 13-year-old Julián, who travels from the arms of his loving pastoral family into the austere, hallowed halls of the seminary. Singling out the boy as his intimate disciple, installing him in his palatial private quarters and redubbing him “Sacramento Santos,” Father Ángel begins Julian’s instruction into the mysteries of “perfect obedience,” whose cardinal rule is: Never question a superior’s actions.
Juan Manuel Bernal
as Padre Ángel de la Cruz
Alfonso Herrera
as Julián Santos (Adulto)
Luis Ernesto Franco
as Padre Robles
Sebastián Aguirre
as Julián 'Sacramento' Santos
Alejandro De Hoyos
as Alberto Martínez
Claudette Maillé
as Señora Alcérreca
Juan Ignacio Aranda
as Padre Galaviz
Miguel Loyo
as Andrés Lomelí
Luciana González de León
as Sierva de Cristo
Juan Carlos Colombo
as Padre Ángel de la Cruz (anciano)
Dagoberto Gama
as Arzobispo
José Barrenechea
as Álvaro Cortuela
