My Take:
The world of ballet isn't just about tutus and applause—it's about pain, obsession, and cutthroat competition. When the lead star of Spain's National Ballet commits suicide, Irene is chosen to take her place. Surrounded by pressure and the jealousy of her peers, Irene finds solace in her bond with a new, reclusive dancer named Aurora. Together, they create their own imaginary world—an escape that soon becomes a dangerous trap.
What's Captivating: The breathtaking dance sequences and the overall visual style. The relationship between Irene and Aurora is portrayed with great sensitivity—a mix of friendship, fascination, and a shared retreat from reality. The film perfectly captures the moment when passion turns into a dangerous obsession.
A Word of Caution: The movie is quite dark and deals with heavy themes like eating disorders, self-harm, and intense psychological pressure. It’s more of a psychological drama with thriller elements than a straightforward horror.
Verdict: 7.5/10 🩰💎
Beautiful, painful, and hypnotic. Perfect for fans of the "dark academia" aesthetic and moody dramas about ambition.
🔍 Did you know...?
The lead role of Irene is played by María Pedraza, whom you likely recognize from Netflix hits like Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) and Elite. María didn't have to start ballet lessons from scratch for the role—before becoming an actress, she trained as a professional classical dancer for many years. Because of this, all the dancing in the film is authentic and performed by her, adding a layer of incredible realism to the production.
