In the gripping new horror film Rosario, the protagonist, portrayed by Shadowhunters star Emeraude Toubia, embarks on a harrowing journey that begins with an unsettling discovery. Early in the film, Rosario peeks into her recently deceased grandmother's closet, only to be met with an eerie sight that prompts her to back away, whispering a hesitant "Nope!" This moment of relatable hesitation stands in stark contrast to typical horror movie tropes, where characters often rush into danger without a second thought. Rosario's initial reluctance draws viewers in, igniting a desire to root for her as she faces the chilling realities of an unquiet corpse and the terrifying events that unfold.

The narrative of Rosario unfolds with a prologue set against the backdrop of a family gathering following Rosario's First Communion. This scene introduces an odd exchange between a young Rosario and her grandmother, who ominously hisses, "My beliefs are not yours!" Fast forward to the present day, and we see adult Rosario, who prefers to be called Rose, thriving in the high-pressure financial world of Manhattan, where her luxurious apartment mirrors her professional success. However, this success comes at the cost of familial ties, as Rose neglects to visit her grandmother in Brooklyn, raising questions about her true feelings toward her family.

The plot thickens when a blizzard engulfs New York City. Throughout the day, Rose ignores multiple calls from her grandmother, until she finally answers one from the building superintendent, who delivers the grim news of her grandmother's passing. Faced with no other choiceher mother has long been deceased, and her father, played by Jos Zuiga, lives in Atlantic CityRose must brave the storm and navigate through the city, encountering not only treacherous weather but also leering men and an unwelcoming dog, along with an odd neighbor obsessed with her air fryer, portrayed by David Dastmalchian from Late Night With the Devil.

As the story progresses, Rosario dives deeper into the supernatural, revealing a complex web of family secrets and past traumas that Rose must confront. These revelations are tied to her family's history as Mexican immigrants and hint at occult practices alluded to by her grandmother's cryptic words. Adult Rose reflects on her grandmother's earlier comment and questions what her grandmother was involved in, prompting her to Google "witchcraft" for insighta choice that proves ill-advised as the night unfolds amidst increasing horrors.

Directed by Felipe Vargas in his feature film debut, Rosario excels in its atmospheric production design and practical special effects, which heighten the film's unsettling ambiance. The main setting is so disturbing that Rose contemplates escaping into the blizzard outside rather than endure another moment in her grandmother's eerie apartment. This sense of dread serves to explore deeper themes of guilt and identity, particularly as Rose grapples with the sacrifices her parents made for her success and her struggle to connect with her cultural roots, amplified by her uncertainty with the Spanish language.

Despite the heavy themes, Rosario skillfully balances its exploration of heritage and identity with genuine scares, ensuring the film remains engaging for horror enthusiasts. Though Dastmalchian's role is relatively small, his unique energy leaves a memorable mark as a quirky supporting character.

The film is set to hit theaters on May 2, promising audiences a haunting and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.