The Devil’s Backbone
Synopsis: During the Spanish Civil War a 12 year old orphan boy is sent to a remote and isolated orphanage where he is visited by the ghost of a dead child.
Technical Details
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Review
The story begins with 12 year old and recently orphaned Carlos being taken to the Santa Lucía School, a shelter for Civil War orphans run by principal Carmen and professor Casares, with the assistance of the couple Jacinto and Conchita. Shortly after his arrival, Carlos witnesses the terrifying apparition of a ghost. Later he finds it was the ghost of Santi, a boy that mysteriously disappeared from the orphanage some time ago. With the help of his new friends, Carlos will set out to uncover not only the secret behind Santi’s disappearance but also the complex relationships that bind the adults that are in charge of the orphanage.
The Devil’s Backbone is the less known of the two Del Toro’s films that have the Spanish Civil War period as background (the other one is the also excellent Pan’s Labyrinth). Del Toro presents us with a powerful tale that have many of the elements of ghost and horror stories while keeping strong ties to the political climate during the Spanish Civil War.
One of the things I like the most about this film is that it has a very satisfying ending. While most horror stories lack when it comes to resolution, The Devil’s Backbone provides a complex and carefully constructed conclusion that answers all the questions (and opens a couple of new ones, like any good horror movie should).
The technical aspects of this movie are all top notch. Of particular interest are the ghostly special effects, which rival those of Hollywood productions with ten times more budget. Acting is very good, both the adults and children feel like real people that could have lived in this orphanage.
If you are one of those who get put off by subtitles, please make an exception and watch this movie. You will not regret it.
©2008 by Miguel Grinberg
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