The Devil’s Backbone

Metrograph presents Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone, a haunting Gothic ghost story set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Released in 2001, the film is widely regarded as one of the director’s finest achievements, blending supernatural horror with political history, emotional depth, and a profound meditation on loss and memory.

Set in 1939 during the final days of the Spanish Civil War, the story follows Carlos, a recently orphaned boy who arrives at a remote school for the children of Republican loyalists. The isolated orphanage is overseen by a small group of adults struggling to maintain order as the country collapses around them. Soon after his arrival, Carlos becomes aware of mysterious occurrences and a spectral presence that seems connected to a tragedy hidden within the school’s walls.

While The Devil’s Backbone contains all the elements of a classic ghost story, its true power comes from the way del Toro uses horror to explore the lasting wounds of war. The film examines innocence lost, collective trauma, and the ghosts—both literal and metaphorical—that linger long after violence has ended. Through the eyes of a child, audiences witness a world shaped by fear, betrayal, and political upheaval.

The film also serves as a companion piece to del Toro’s later masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth, sharing many of the same themes while establishing the director’s distinctive blend of fantasy, history, and emotional storytelling. Richly atmospheric and visually striking, it remains one of the most influential horror films of the twenty-first century.

Presented in a rare 35mm screening, this Metrograph presentation offers audiences the opportunity to experience del Toro’s haunting vision on film, where its shadowy imagery and meticulous craftsmanship can be fully appreciated.