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Poster for The Devil's Backbone

The Devil's Backbone

Seen it?

2001 | 108 min | Fantasy, Drama, Horror, Thriller

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, horror fans and fantasy fans. If you loved Interview with the Vampire or Beetlejuice, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    5 wins and 11 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $7 million worldwide on a $5 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 218K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

  • Marisa ParedesCarmen
  • Eduardo NoriegaJacinto
  • Federico LuppiDr. Casares
  • Fernando TielveCarlos
  • Íñigo GarcésJaime
  • Irene VisedoConchita
  • José Manuel LorenzoMarcelo
  • Francisco Maestre'El Puerco'
  • Junio ValverdeSanti
  • Berta OjeaAlma