A compelling murder mystery, a haunting ghost story, and a relevant political thriller, The Devil’s Backbone is one of Guillermo del Toro’s best–yet vastly underseen– films.
It is a companion piece, sort of a precursor to his 2006 Oscar winning (and best film to date) Pan’s Labyrinth, for several reasons.
It’s set during the final year of the Spanish Civil War — a tragic, tumultuous conflict that del Toro uses as a departure point for a politically poignant ghost story, which is haunting in imagery and mood.
After the death of his fatherd Carlos (Fernando Tielve), a boy of 10, arrives at the Santa Lucia School, which shelters orphans of the Republican militia and politicians.
He is taken in by the steely headmistress Carmen (Marisa Paredes), and the kindly professor Casares (Federico Luppi).
Soon after, Carlos has a run-in with the violent caretaker, Jacinto (Eduardo Noriega).
Gradually, Carlos uncovers the secrets of the school, including the youthful ghost that wanders the grounds.
At the time, comparisons were made to The Others, Amenabar’s ghost story starring Nicole Kidman, which was released in the same year, though, ultimately, The Devil’s Backbone is a better picture.
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