LA BOLA NEGRA

Directors: Javier Calvo, Javier Ambrossi
Starring: Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Milo Quifes, Julio Torres, Glenn Close, Penélope Cruz, Carlos González

La Bola Negra is that surprising and deeply moving film that grabbed me from the beginning and never let go even after the credits rolled. La Bola Negra is a sweeping saga spanning three gay love stories through different generations. Their connections unfold and intertwine deepening the emotional toll this film takes. In 1932 Granada, we meet Carlos (Milo Quifes) who is seeking to become a member of the local casino. There’s a voting process of white balls and black balls. La bola negra means the black ball in Spanish. He receives mostly black balls, which means he’s been rejected from the organization. He believes it has to do with his rumored sexuality. In 1937, Guitarricadelafuente plays Sebastian, a trumpet player in a small village who sees his community attacked by the Italians during the Spanish civil war. He tries to escape but is taken in by the Nationalist faction. He’s then tasked with guarding and caring for a wounded soldier named Rafael (Miguel Bernardeau) who is considered an enemy of the people. The story jumps ahead to 2017 with Alberto (Carlos González), a young, out gay man who has a fractured relationship with his mom. He learns he’s inherited something from his grandfather who recently passed away. He barely knew his grandfather, but this inheritance unlocks family secrets, identities, and a connection he didn’t realize. In theaters November 6 and will be on Netflix December 2

Here’s my review