With thick eyebrows and wide, staring eyes, the expression is certainly intense.
This religious sculpture, installed in a square in Carmo do Cajuru, Brazil, has become embroiled in controversy over a botched restoration.
Local residents have protested, claiming that the once-gentle statue of the Virgin Mary has been transformed into a figure that looks like it belongs in a horror movie.
As the controversy grew, the local church announced that it has begun professional restoration work on the sculpture in question.
Ironically, as news of the botched restoration spread, it drew visitors from outside the area who wanted to see it for themselves, turning it into an unexpected tourist attraction for a while.
(Source: X @EnasutaOishii, @haniwafactory, Instagram @portalamparense, @parocarmo)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
"Thought It Was a Horror Movie": Botched Restoration Becomes Unexpected Tourist Attraction
Jun 18, 2026
