La Bola Negra review: A magnificent gay epic that transcends time

If you're unfamiliar with Federico García Lorca, it's time to pay attention. A renowned poet and playwright from Granada during the 20th century, Lorca was a friend of Salvador Dalí and a man who lived openly as gay during a time when queerness was persecuted. During the Spanish Civil War, Lorca began writing La Bola Negra, only to be murdered by right-wing Nationalists before its completion.

Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi's 2026 film adaptation of La Bola Negra is an extraordinary piece of cinema that transcends time, drawing threads between Lorca's work and the Spanish gay men connected to it. The film is a devastating and vital experience, leaving viewers heartbroken yet vital. With exemplary performances, transfixing cinematography, and a non-linear narrative fueled by family mystery, La Bola Negra brings lost pages of queer, literary, and political history to life.

The film weaves together three storylines, each representing a different time in Spain: Carlos in 1932, Sebastián in 1937, and Alberto in 2017. These characters, representing gay men across time, are interconnected, and the film's puzzle is to bring them together. Set mainly in the height of summer in Granada, Santander, and Madrid, La Bola Negra immerses viewers in the Spanish heat while exploring the impact of violence, political chaos, and queer identity on its characters.

Penélope Cruz delivers a dazzling performance as Nené Romero, a cupletista who performs for the Nationalist troops, offering a glimpse into the queer experience. The film's production design is exquisite, particularly in the two storylines set in the 1930s, with art direction and costume design creating a bloodied and surreal representation of the Spanish Civil War.

La Bola Negra is a film that humanizes history, focusing on the people affected by violent heteronormativity and political turmoil, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of history, literature, and queer identity.