La Bola Negra is considered The Odyssey’s rival at the Oscars. I’m not so sure.

Key Points:

• La Bola Negra is a sprawling, timeline-hopping film exploring the intertwined histories of three queer men in different eras of Spanish history, examining the connections between fascism, homophobia, and generational trauma.
• Co-directed by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo ("Los Javis"), the film marks a significant leap in ambition and production from their previous work, winning Best Director at Cannes 2024.
• The narrative spans three timelines: 1937 during the Spanish Civil War with Sebastián and Rafael, 1932 in Granada with the symbolic character Carlos inspired by Lorca’s unfinished play, and 2017 with Alberto uncovering hidden queer histories linked to his grandfather.
• While praised for its cinematography, score, and bold thematic scope, the film’s three-part structure is sometimes uneven, with some scenes feeling overextended and others rushed, though its emotional generosity and historical depth remain impactful.
• Notable performances include Penélope Cruz in a memorable cabaret scene and Glenn Close in a cameo as a Lorca scholar, adding star power to a film that serves as a rich, if occasionally exhausting, tribute to silenced queer ancestors.