Everything we know about Almodóvar’s upcoming Lanzarote film

Lanzarote is once again under the bright lights of a film set, serving as the primary location for legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar’s eagerly awaited new feature, Amarga Navidad (Bitter Christmas).

For a filmmaker who has previously captured our island’s stark beauty in Broken Embraces, this project feels like a welcome return home.

PLOT

Amarga Navidad is being described as a modern tragicomedy, a genre in which Almodóvar has always excelled.

The plot centres on Elsa, a sharp advertising director played by Bárbara Lennie, who is reeling from the loss of her mother. In a desperate attempt to outrun her grief, she plunges into work until a debilitating panic attack forces her to stop.

Seeking solace and space, she escapes to none other than our very own Lanzarote with her friend, while her partner remains behind in Madrid.

CAST

The cast is a thrilling mix of the director’s beloved repertoire and exciting new faces. Alongside Lennie and Sbaraglia, we can expect to see Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Milena Smit, and Quim Gutiérrez, with special appearances from Almodóvar regulars like the Rossy de Palma and Carmen Machi.

But the real star is Lanzarote itself. The island is more than just a backdrop; it is a vital character in Elsa’s journey of introspection and recovery. After six weeks of filming that wrapped in recently, the island’s dramatic vistas are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the film’s emotional landscape.