Introduction Different cultures feature different ideas of a perfect woman. These ideas may be related to the way a woman should look, behave, or treat men. However, under the circumstances of male domination, the ideas of a perfect woman often feature the element of obedience. Traditionally, femininity has been linked to submissiveness (West 100), and the socially acceptable women’s behaviors are often found to feature the component of docility as a necessary component. For example, there is the concept of marianismo; i.e., the vision of the female gender role in Latin America, where it was largely influenced by the image of the Virgin Mary. This concept focuses on motherhood as a key aspect of femininity, but, importantly, it excludes the element of sex, which leads to childbirth. Marianismo and the mariana identity (the identity of a woman who adheres to marianismo values) have been heavily used in popular culture. For example, Baby Shower , a 2011 Chilean horror movie written and directed by Pablo Illanes (“Baby Shower”), demonstrates mariana (i.e., related to marianismo) images and explores them through a series of symbolic events. Although appearing to be another horror movie with much blood and vividly shown mutilations, the story, in fact, challenges the widespread idea of a mariana woman. To analyze it, it is necessary to establish methods of analysis, describe the theoretical approach, address the historical context of marianismo, and discuss marianismo and maternity in the movie. Methodology The method of exploring marianismo and maternity in Baby Shower is theme analysis. According to Donohue, one of the main things to address in the framework of theme analysis is the characters’ perception; i.e., the way characters see themselves and each other (7). Also, this approach is applicable not only to the relationships among characters but also to their visions of the situations in which they find themselves. Particular attention in this regard should be paid to the way stereotypes and widespread perceptions (or clichés present in the horror genre) are either reaffirmed or challenged (Subero 100) in character development, plot development, or premises on which Illanes relies. The strength of this approach is that it allows drawing conclusions based on a primary source (the movie), while the weakness is that it is rather interpretative and may feature elements that will vary depending on the researcher’s initial knowledge and attitude. Another method that can be applied to analyzing the themes of marianismo and maternity is the exploration of the movie’s symbolism. It can be assumed that the events described and shown in the movie have symbolic meanings initially intended by the creators. From this perspectives, the elements of the plot—especially, the mutilations and the things the members of the cult say and do—can be approached as metaphors and can be further deciphered by means of interpreting and revealing hidden meanings. It is suggested to address the sexual symbolism of the story specifically (Clover 49) because the themes of marianismo and maternity are essentially linked to sexuality. Apart from explicitly sexual scenes, such as the ones depicting intercourses between Olivia and Julio, there are also implicit sexual symbols that should not be overlooked. Theoretical Approach The theoretical framework of the analysis is largely based on the e