*โWhat is a ghost? A tragedy doomed to repeat itselfโฆโ* Well, I for one am absolutely doomed to re-watch *The Devilโs Backbone* over and over again. Guillermo del Toro takes a gothic ghost story, sprinkles it with some political allegory, and makes sure itโs wrapped in melancholia like a sad burrito. Set in an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War, this movie asks the hard questions, like: "Whatโs scarierโhaunted children or Francoโs regime?" (Spoiler: itโs a close call.)
The film oozes atmosphere from every scene. The orphanage feels as alive as the characters, with its dusty halls, dripping cisterns, and an unexploded bomb that just *casually* sits in the courtyard, as if to say, โNothing to see here, folks!โ The ghost of Santi, with his cracked porcelain face and floating blood mist, is equal parts tragic and terrifyingโlike Casperโs goth cousin who listens to Radiohead. Seriously, if Santi floated up to me at night whispering, โMany of you will die,โ Iโd just say, โOkay, but can I Venmo you for therapy?โ
The story feels both intimate and epic, somehow combining ghosts, trauma, and betrayal into a film that feels like a beautifully sad lullaby. Itโs a love letter to childhood fears and unresolved griefโbecause if thereโs one thing del Toro knows, itโs how to tug on those heartstrings *and* scare the pants off you at the same time. Sure, the pacing drifts here and there, but thatโs okay. It gives you more time to enjoy the cinematography and ponder the eternal question: *Where can I get a Captain Jacinto action figure?*