Terror returns to Spanish cinemas this Friday with a trio of new titles bound to ignite the scene. Following the momentum of the Warren Case saga, Sister II heads the lineup, joined by Verano en Rojo, a gripping thriller about church abuse, and Las dos caras of Justice, a drama that centers on the tense encounter between victims and the people who harmed them.
Sister II
In this continuation, the chilling figure Valak—born from the Warren File universe created by James Wan—reappears, setting a dark mood in 1956 France. Irene, Valak’s sister, reconnects with him after a priest is killed, triggering a cascade of unsettling events. The cast brings together Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, Storm Reid, Anna Popplewell, and Bonnie Aarons, with direction by Michael Chaves. The film sustains the haunting atmosphere that fans expect while weaving new threads into the established mythos. The narrative deepens the peril and pushes the characters toward confrontations that reverberate long after the credits roll. Citation: Festival circuit notes and studio previews.
Verano en Rojo
Belén Macías directs the investigative drama centered on commissioner María Ruiz and journalist Luna, portrayed by Marta Nieto and José Coronado respectively. Drawing from the novel by Berna González Harbor, the story delves into the history of a religious school and the abuse allegations tied to its walls. As a teenager’s murder surfaces, clues begin to tighten around a wounded network of complicity. Filmed across Madrid and Pamplona, the film is anchored in a pivotal moment during the 2011 World Christian Youth Days, marking a watershed moment for both actors who share their first on-screen collaboration. The film frames a painstaking pursuit of truth through the eyes of those who refuse to look away. Citation: Festival press materials.
Two Sides of Justice
Restorative justice takes center stage in this French drama directed by Jeanne Herry. Adèle Exarchopoulos leads a cast that includes Élodie Bouchez, Leïla Bekhti, and Dali Benssalah. The story follows the delicate dialogues between offenders and survivors of violent robbery and sexual assault, exploring healing, accountability, and the paths toward rebuilding trust. The film achieved strong reception in France, attracting over a million viewers, and raises timely questions about justice, empathy, and the power of listening. Citation: French cinema records and festival coverage.
Creature
Elena Martín Gimeno writes, directs, and stars in a film that unfolds through the protagonist’s memories after a life-changing move. The narrative follows a woman who relocates with a partner to start anew, only to confront a resurfacing desire she thought had vanished. The storyline travels through memory fragments and emotional shifts, offering a nuanced portrait of longing, identity, and the quiet battles waged within. In the version released for the film, Clàudia Malagelada and Mila Borràs portray the younger and older iterations of the central figure, underscoring the film’s intimate, reflective tone. Citation: Festival programming notes.
Soul Mahler, Passion
Set in Austria, this biographical drama explores the life of composer Gustav Mahler and his partnership with his wife. The film follows the composer as he engages with the man responsible for creating his death mask and navigates a public persona that clashes with private turmoil. The relationship with painter Oskar Kokoschka adds a layer of artistic tension, while Alma’s ambition to stand out in society threads through the narrative, shaping the emotional arc of the film. The performances anchor a story that blends music, memory, and the complexities of creative life. Citation: Industry previews and national press.
Karnawal
Winner of the Biznaga de Oro for Best Ibero-American Film in Malaga, Karnawal follows Cabra, a young man in northern Argentina who longs to become a professional Malambo dancer while living with his mother. As he trains for the major competition of his life, an unexpected visit from his father, freshly released from prison, disrupts the family’s balance. The reunion triggers a journey that confronts a difficult past and the tensions of a community shaped by tradition and ambition. Martín López Lacci leads the cast as Cabra, with Alfredo Castro delivering a memorable performance as the father. Citation: Malaga festival records.
New Toy
James Huth reimagines the comedic premise of Le jouet, transporting it to a modern, witty tension between wealth and family. In the story, a rich French man’s wife invites a surprising beneficiary to a luxury department store, where a night watchman named Sami becomes central to a twist that flips expectations. The father’s generosity collides with the mother’s wishes, and the plot delves into humor, power, and the absurdity of desire at the heart of a high-society setting. Citation: Studio notes and festival previews.
Smoking Causes Coughing
Quentin Dupieux, acclaimed for Jaws, Rubber, and Realité, returns with a satirical, low-budget spoof that parodies superhero epics. The film follows a team of five vigilantes who, after a run-in with a giant tortoise, reinforce their alliance against a looming threat—The Evil Emperor Lézardin—who aims to destroy Earth. The title riffs on genre conventions with Dupieux’s trademark irreverence, offering a playful critique wrapped in deliberate absurdity. Citation: Cannes lineup and Sitges award materials.
Elizabeth II: Portrait of a Queen
Charles Dance lends the authoritative voice to this documentary portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, tracing the monarch’s lifetime of service, decisions, and influence. The film blends insightful commentary with a collection of iconic photographs to illuminate the arc of her reign. Through candid testimonies from notable figures, the documentary paints a nuanced picture of leadership, duty, and the evolving perception of a monarch who shaped modern history. The work invites viewers to reassess the crown’s legacy and its global resonance. Citation: Documentary circuit notes.