The first months of the year are always a whirlwind for cinema, coinciding with major awards season. As winter settles in, audiences crave compelling stories on screen, and now is the perfect time too catch up on potential Oscar and Goya contenders. One film that generated significant buzz last year,receiving seven nominations,deserves attention-even though it wasn’t nominated for Best Picture.
‘The Captive’ stands out as one of the best historical films from Spain, based on remarkable true events. The film, now available on Netflix, tells a largely unknown chapter in the life of a pivotal historical figure, brought to life by one of the country’s most acclaimed directors. ‘Frames’ described the production as “a lucid, brave and almost reckless daring,” while ‘ABC’ hailed it as “a beautiful and adventurous film.”
Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, ‘The captive’ transports viewers to 1575 Algiers, recounting the captivity of Miguel de Cervantes. The story unfolds as Cervantes, along with his crew, is captured by pirates while sailing back to Spain. His five years of captivity become a harrowing tale of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Julio Peña, known for his roles in ‘Through My Window’ and ‘Berlin’, embodies the author of ‘Don Quixote,’ a performance that earned him a Best New Actor nomination at the Goya Awards. He initially almost lost the role, as he revealed in an interview: “I started casting and they told me I had the part, but a month into rehearsals, they said no. I knew it was a arduous decision for Alejandro because it was a risk-I was 22 during casting, while the character is 30. Not everyone agreed with the choice, but I took it in stride.”
Peña’s dedication and preparation ultimately won over the director. He’s supported by a stellar cast including Miguel rellán, alongside Luis Callejo, Roberto Álamo, Fernando Tejero, and josé Manuel Poga. Their performances elevate ‘The Captive’ into a visually stunning and epic adventure, offering a fresh perspective on a literary genius who continues to spark debate.
