Streaming Gems: The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Photo from IMDb
From Shane Conto
Why do so many people love the work of Guillermo del Toro? There is a passion to every single film that he creates and there is an unexpected depth there as well. Del Toro always seems to be fighting off the advances and powers of fascism around the world. His recent reimagining of Pinocchio was set during Mussolini led fascist Italy. But his roots in Spain show his true focus as multiple films of his occur in the shadow of the Spanish Civil War. Many will know this thanks to his iconic effort with Pan’s Labyrinth but he tackled this backdrop before. His supernatural horror film wrapped around a coming-of-age story, The Devil’s Backbone, does too.
What makes this setting so poignant as the foundation for a tale about a haunted orphanage? Our protagonist, Carlos, is only 12-years-old but unfortunately he must grow up so quickly. He loses his father in the Spanish Civil War and thrusts this young man’s life into premature adulthood. That provides the space for a fascinating tale that finds Carlos developing a connection with a ghostly boy of his own age. Through their journey, Carlos finds growth and maturity…along with all of the impressive elements of this film as well. But it is not just Carlos who sees the effects of war. There is enough suffering and trauma that goes along to the rest of the characters in this haunting experience.
How does del Toro bring his horror elements to life in this genre-bending affair? The most significant piece would be the ghostly child. The effects are certainly made with a small budget but they look so haunting and eerie. The translucent skin and darkened eyes and mouth give a ghostly visage that is poignant and effective. Put this child on the dark backdrops of the most abandoned corners of this orphanage and you have some chilling visuals to experience. Del Toro has a unique visual style and you can already feel it coming into view here on The Devil’s Backbone. Del Toro injects a richness of blues and oranges into the visual palette There is a grit to every frame and a lived-in feel that makes his films (including this one) feel so unique.
But what puts the heart in the film and makes this film worth the experience? Del Toro has such a passion for all things that would normally strike fear in the hearts of audiences. But the ghost of this story is misunderstood (for sure) and is really an ally in the true mystery of the story. The connection that grows between Carlos and this ghostly figure has a warmth and authenticity to it. The story is full of misfits and others who have struggles in life. Hunger and famine strikes in the waning hours of the Spanish Civil War as this orphanage struggles together. This is not your standard coming-of-age story for sure and by no means is it what you expect out of a ghost story. Del Toro has the graceful touch and delivers a beautifully moving and eerily haunting tale of supernatural presence. You have seen so many Del Toro efforts with bigger budgets, more elaborate set-ups but don’t discount The Devil’s Backbone.
The Devil’s Backbone is streaming on Peacock.
