@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
The Writer from a Country Without Bookstores
The ruthless dictator Teodoro Obiang has ruled Equatorial Guinea with an iron hand since 1979. Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel is the most translated Equatoguinean writer, but he had to flee the country in 2011, after starting a hunger strike denouncing the crimes of the dictatorship. Since then, he has lived in Spain, feeling that, despite the risks, he must return and fight the monster with words.
Quick Stats
6.4
TMDB Rating
5
Votes
1h 21m
Runtime
—
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorMarc Serena
WriterMarc Serena
CinematographyJosep Gutiérrez
ComposerVerónica Font Alfaro
EditorEmanuele Tiziani
Produced by
Fora de QuadreToned Media
Where to Watch
Streaming
Netflix
HBO MaxBuy
Apple iTunesSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel
Self - Narrator / Writer
N
Negro Bey
Self - Singer
M
Manuel Carrero Blanco
Self - Politician (archive footage)
Teodoro Obiang Nguema
Self - Politician (archive footage)
T
Teodoro Nguema Obiang
Self - Politician (archive footage)
