THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE Latin Cinema Series

Following the success of his two darkly beautiful horror films, CRONOS and MIMIC, Mexican-born director Guillermo del Toro has turned his considerable talents to a gothic ghost story in his latest engaging work.

Set near the end of the Spanish Civil War, the film takes place at Santa Lucia, a desolate desert orphanage. Never leaving its single location, the film follows the story of the orphanage’s new arrival, Carlos. He is immediately met with hostility, and, more alarmingly, the ghost of a murdered boy who seems to cry out for help. Gradually, Carlos uncovers the secrets that haunt the school.

Del Tore’s approach in THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE is deeper, warmer and more psychologically realistic than in his earlier films. Stylishly shot with intense, rich hues and moody shadows, this tightly made film creates an atmosphere of almost unbearable suspense.