The Devil's Backbone
Release Date
2001
Film Synopsis
After Carlos—a 12-year-old whose father has died in the Spanish Civil War—arrives at an ominous boys' orphanage, he discovers the school is haunted and has many dark secrets that he must uncover.
After losing his father, 10-year-old Carlos (Fernando Tielve) arrives at the Santa Lucia School, which shelters orphans of the Republican militia and politicians, and is taken in by the steely headmistress, Carmen (Marisa Paredes), and the kindly professor, Casares (Federico Luppi). Soon after his arrival, 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.
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics