The new film "La Bola Negra" explores themes of silence, shame, and the legacy of fascism across three interconnected narratives spanning different time periods in Spain. Directed by the acclaimed duo known collectively as Los Javis—Calvo and Ambrossi—the film debuted recently in U.S. theaters, including the Angelika Film Center and AMC Georgetown 14.
Set against the backdrop of Spain’s tumultuous 20th century history, the film opens in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. In a small village, residents gather to welcome Italian troops allied with the Nationalists. The joyful scene turns to horror when aircraft begin firing indiscriminately on the villagers, killing men, women and children. Among the survivors is Sebastián, played by musician Guitarricadelafuente in his film acting debut, a trumpet player who is ultimately compelled to join the Nationalist army to survive. His duties include guarding Rafael Rodríguez Rapún, a Republican leftist prisoner portrayed by Miguel Bernardeau. Sebastián forms a complex bond with Rafael, who shares stories of his artistic past before the war.
A second, more experimental storyline is set in 1932 and centers on Carlos (Milo Quifes), a young man hopeful of joining a local social club. The club’s admission process involves members casting votes using either black or white balls—black indicating rejection. Despite Carlos’s prominent family background, he faces near-unanimous rejection, implicitly due to suspicions about his sexuality. This segment presents the black ball as a symbolic “original sin,” underscoring the social marginalization faced by LGBTQ individuals during that era.
The film’s final narrative takes place in present-day Spain, focusing on Alberto (Carlos González), an openly gay historian who receives unexpected news about an inheritance from a grandfather he never knew was alive. Alberto’s relationship with his mother Teresa (Lola Dueñas) is strained; he resents her struggles with addiction and perceived neglect in his childhood, while she carries resentment toward her own father. This contemporary storyline reveals the enduring emotional scars and intergenerational trauma associated with the family’s past.
The three plots gradually converge toward a climactic connection, though some critics interpret the resolution as somewhat restrained and lacking the depth necessary for full emotional catharsis. The film also includes performances by Penélope Cruz, who delivers a musical piece and monologue portraying a soldier’s perspective, and features a cameo by Glenn Close as an American academic—an inclusion that has been noted as somewhat ambiguous within the narrative framework.
"La Bola Negra" is praised for its strong performances and thoughtful treatment of difficult themes regarding history and identity. Its editing effectively navigates the complex timelines, often creating hypnotic visual sequences. However, some viewers may find that the film’s stylistic flourishes and repetitive elements weigh down the dense storytelling. At 157 minutes, it is a substantial cinematic experience that introduces international audiences to Los Javis’s distinctive approach to film-making.
The movie contains scenes of violence, graphic nudity, sexual content, and strong language and is rated R. It continues the directors’ exploration of Spain’s sociopolitical tensions, providing a multifaceted look at how past legacies continue to shape personal and collective identities.