Issue 151

Review on The Devil's Backbone

29th January 2007

A clinic in low-key atmospheric horror, Del Toro's Spanish Civil War set ghost story quickly evolves from a slow burning tale of one boy's attempt to fit in to a frantic finale filled with blood and redemption.

Following young Carlos as he is taken to a refuge for the orphaned sons of the fighting Socialists, the ominous nature is accentuated by the unexploded bomb in the courtyard, that is just one of many narrative threads that run through this.

Carlos begins to fit in, despite visions of a bloody and beaten child haunting his thoughts. This all while the Nationalist army closes in and the greedy Jacinto makes plans for the school's funds - ample amounts of rebel gold. The cast of unknowns are a formidable bunch, from the skilled young actors, especially head child Jaime, to the menace of handyman Jacinto, the cast is solid and all characters are exceptionally well-rounded for such an esoteric story. The moody, slow approach does well to set up the audience for the shock of the appearance of the ghastly figure that haunts the secluded school.

However, at times the pacing does seem lethargic but overall an exceptional piece that ticks all the boxes for thriller, horror, revenge and even old-Western style home defence movies. Definite markers for Del Toro's incredible talent are obvious, markers that are especially evident in his Spanish language pieces like this.

Chris Sloley