Penélope Cruz's new Spanish drama 'The Black Ball' (La Bola Negra) has become the standout hit of the Cannes Film Festival, receiving a historic 20-minute standing ovation after its premiere on Thursday night. The film, directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, also stars Glenn Close and has been hailed by critics as a 'masterpiece' and an 'instant classic.'
A Triumph at Cannes
The ovation is one of the longest ever at Cannes, second only to Guillermo del Toro's 'Pan's Labyrinth' in 2006. The film has injected much-needed excitement into what many considered an underpowered festival lineup. Critics have taken to social media to praise the film, calling it the front-runner for the prestigious Palme d'Or, the festival's top prize.
An Epic Historical Drama
'The Black Ball' is a massive undertaking that weaves together three separate timelines spanning 85 years, all linked by the unfinished work of poet and playwright Federico García Lorca. The film is based on Lorca's play 'La Bola Negra' and Alberto Conejero's 'La Piedra Oscura.' It tells the interconnected stories of three gay men and explores how homosexuality is often erased from history.
Directed with flair and vitality by Calvo and Ambrossi, known collectively as Los Javis, the film is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant. It demands concentration over its 155-minute runtime, but rewards viewers with rich detail and deeply moving performances.
Powerful Performances
The cast includes singer Guitarricadelafuente in a promising acting debut, Miguel Bernardeau, Milo Quifes, Carlos González, and Lola Dueñas, alongside Cruz and Close. Cruz plays Nené, a lusty Madrid nightclub star in a vibrant musical sequence, while Close portrays a US academic named Isabelle, speaking fluent Spanish. Both actresses deliver marvellous performances, though the film does not rely on their star power to carry the narrative.
One of the most impactful scenes is the devastating opening, set in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. A rural village loyal to the Nationalist faction is destroyed by bombs and gunfire from Italian allies, leaving Sebastián (Guitarricadelafuente) as one of the few survivors. He is later conscripted and tasked with guarding political prisoner Rafael Rodríguez Rapún (Bernardeau), an Atlético Madrid footballer and actor.
Three Interwoven Timelines
The film's three timelines unfold in 1932, 1937, and 2017. In 1932, young Carlos (Quifes) is blackballed from joining a club in Granada due to his rumoured homosexuality. In 2017, student and struggling playwright Alberto (González) learns of a mysterious bequest from his estranged grandfather, complicating his relationship with his addict mother Teresa (Dueñas). These stories eventually intertwine in a satisfying conclusion, bolstered by gorgeous cinematography from Gris Jordana.
Critical Reception
While the film has been praised for its ambition and emotional depth, some critics note that it meanders and becomes overblown in places. However, most agree that it is hard to resist in its full-throttle approach to Spanish history and homosexuality. The extraordinary cast keeps the film powered up, even without the A-list cameos.
Release Details
'The Black Ball' premiered at Cannes on May 21 and will be released in Spain on October 2. UK and US release dates have yet to be confirmed.
