The House Among the Cactuses
The House Among the Cactuses (Spanish: La casa entre los cactus) is a 2022 Spanish psychological thriller film directed by Carlota González-Adrio in her feature debut and written by Paul Pen. It is an adaptation of the latter's novel of the same name. It stars Ariadna Gil, Daniel Grao, and Ricardo Gómez.
| The House Among the Cactuses | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Spanish | La casa entre los cactus |
| Directed by | Carlota González-Adrio |
| Screenplay by | Paul Pen |
| Based on | La casa entre los cactus by Paul Pen |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Kiko de la Rica |
| Music by | Zeltia Montes |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | Filmax |
Release dates |
|
| Country | Spain |
| Language | Spanish |
Plot
The plot concerns the arrival of (and ensuing disruption caused by) a stranger (Rafa) to an idyllic community of cacti-growing people living in a remote valley and hiding a secret. The aforementioned community is formed by Rosa, Emilio and their daughters, all of them named after flowers (Lis, Iris, Melisa, Lila and Dalia).[1][2]
Cast
- Ariadna Gil as Rosa[1]
- Daniel Grao as Emilio[1]
- Ricardo Gómez as Rafa[1]
- Aina Picarolo[1]
- Zoe Arnao[1]
- Anna Ruiz[1]
- Carla Ruiz[1]
- Judith Fernández[2]
Production
The film is a Cine365 Films, DZ Largometrajes y Audiovisuales AIE, Ikiru Films, La Terraza Films and Virtual Contenidos production, with the participation or association of RTVE, TV3, Orange TV and ICAA.[1][2] It was shot on locations of Gran Canaria,[2] including Arucas, Firgas, Valleseco, and Las Palmas.[3] Filmax nabbed the film's distribution rights in post-production.[4]
Release
The film was slated to have a pre-screening at Madrid's Cines Renoir Princesa on 12 September 2022.[5] It was theatrically released in Spain on 16 September 2022.[2] It was also selected for screening in the 'Made in Spain' slate of the 70th San Sebastián International Film Festival.[6]
Reception
Toni Vall of Cinemanía rated the film 3½ out of 5 stars, conceptualizing it as a symbiosis of Captain Fantastic and The Beguiled.[7]
Blai Morell of Fotogramas rated it 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting the children cast and the "unhealthy atmosphere that transpires".[8]
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15th Gaudí Awards | Best New Director | Carlota González-Adrio | Nominated | [9] |
See also
References
- Rivera, Alfonso (6 May 2021). "La casa entre los cactus is now filming in the Canary Islands". Cineuropa.
- "RTVE.es estrena el tráiler de 'La casa entre los cactus', un thriller con Ariadna Gil, Daniel Grao y Ricardo Gómez". rtve.es. 17 August 2022.
- "Gran Canaria ha acogido el rodaje del largometraje nacional "La Casa entre los Cactus"". Gran Canaria Film Commission. Cabildo de Gran Canaria. 21 May 2021.
- Corvin, Anne Marie (21 July 2021). "Filmax Adds Psychological Thriller 'The House Among the Cactuses' Pick Up (Exclusive)". Variety.
- "Asiste al preestreno de 'La casa entre los cactus'". El País. 1 September 2022.
- "El Festival de San Sebastián estrenará documentales sobre Tequila y Carlos Boyero". El Periódico de Catalunya. 30 August 2022.
- Vall, Toni (13 September 2022). "Crítica de 'La casa entre los cactus'". Cinemanía – via 20minutos.es.
- Morell, Blai (16 September 2022). "Crítica de 'La casa entre los cactus': lo que la verdad esconde". Fotogramas.
- "En directe | Premis Gaudí: "Alcarràs" i "Un año, una noche", les més nominades de la nit". 3/24. 22 January 2023 – via Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals.
See also
- The House Among the Cactuses at ICAA's Catálogo de Cinespañol