The Devil's Backbone

What is a ghost?

Release Date 2001-04-20
Runtime 108 minutes
Status Released
Watch

Overview

Spain, 1939. In the last days of the Spanish Civil War, the young Carlos arrives at the Santa Lucía orphanage, where he will make friends and enemies as he follows the quiet footsteps of a mysterious presence eager for revenge.

Budget $4,500,000
Revenue $6,582,065
Vote Average 7.281/10
Vote Count 1264
Popularity 1.7428
Original Language es

Backdrop

What makes this movie Worth Watching

Set during the final days of the Spanish Civil War, The Devil's Backbone serves as a commentary on the political violence and repression of the time. It also draws parallels between the ghostly apparitions and the lost souls of those affected by the conflict.

  • The movie boasts exceptional acting by Iván Cortés Aragón and Marisa Paredes, who deliver haunting performances.
  • Guillermo del Toro's unique directing style infuses the film with a blend of horror, drama, and mystery that keeps viewers engaged.
  • The story explores profound themes such as childhood trauma, political repression, and the lingering effects of war on individuals and communities.
  • The haunting cinematography creates an eerie atmosphere that perfectly complements the storyline.

Fun Facts

  • In an interview, Guillermo del Toro revealed that the name 'Santiago' (the protagonist) is a nod to Saint James, the patron saint of Spain.
  • The movie was filmed in the Barranco del Infiernito, a location known for its unique geological formation resembling a devil's backbone.
  • The ghostly apparition of Carmen, the schoolteacher, is based on a real-life story of a woman named Maria de los Ángeles, who was killed during the Spanish Civil War.

Available Languages

English US
Title: The Devil's Backbone
"What is a ghost?"
Deutsch DE
Title: The Devil's Backbone
"Das Übersinnliche ist wieder da!"
Italiano IT
Title: La spina del diavolo
"Cos'è un fantasma?"
Français FR
Title: L'Échine du diable
"Croyez-vous aux fantômes ?"
Português PT
Title: Nas Costas do Diabo
"Você sabe o que é um fantasma?"
Español ES
Title:
"¿Qué es un fantasma?"

Where to Watch

🇦🇹 Austria [AT]

Stream

🇦🇺 Australia [AU]

🇧🇪 Belgium [BE]

buy

rent

🇧🇷 Brazil [BR]

ads

Stream

🇨🇭 Switzerland [CH]

buy

rent

🇩🇪 Germany [DE]

Stream

🇪🇸 Spain [ES]

Stream

🇫🇷 France [FR]

Stream

🇬🇧 United Kingdom [GB]

rent

🇱🇺 Luxembourg [LU]

rent

buy

🇳🇿 New Zealand [NZ]

rent

buy

🇷🇺 Russian Federation [RU]

free

Stream

🇺🇸 United States [US]

Cast

Crew

Reviews

No Reviews Found !

Oscar Awards

Wins

Haven't Won A Oscar

Nominations

Haven't Nominated for Oscar

Media

Featurette
THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE – Guillermo del Toro’s creative resurrection | MUBI Podcast
Trailer
Trailer
Featurette
Mark Kermode reviews Guillermo del Toro's The Devil's Backbone | BFI Player