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The backdrop of the rise of fascism and the brutality and terrible reality of war for this gentle and delicate portrait of sad love and limited companionship makes for a heartbreaking watch.
Gris Jordana’s stunning cinematography, along with the flawless direction of Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi enhance both the romance and destruction of the stories they tell. One moment you can be overwhelmed by the darkness of war, the other, you feel the longing, the fear, and the desire with Sebastián and his position within the republican forces confirming his mental intent.
It’s a movie that was able to give me goosebumps seemingly whenever it wanted to. The sound design and pace are perfectly aligned to produce moments of crescendo from the very first scene.
I wouldn’t say that many things could improve The black ballbut a wonderful appearance from Penélope Cruz as Nené Romero, a cupletista who entertains the soldiers and opens Sebastián’s mind to life outside the war certainly helps. Another welcome comes from Glenn Close as Isabelle Durand, a pupil of the poet Lorca whom Alberto seeks help from.
At his heart, The black ball is a film about life and satisfaction. It’s about how depression, loss, and limited desire can make life go unfulfilled. Beautiful, gloomy, gloomy, Yet wonderfully glorious, The black ball it’s a well-crafted film, one that lingers long after the credits roll.
The black ball It is scheduled to be released in UK and Irish cinemas on November 6, 2026 and begins its run at the London Film Festival on October 8, 2026.
