La Bola Negra is a story that transcends generations.
After making an immense splash at the Cannes Film Festival and then going on to win the audience award at TIFF, La Bola Negra has finally arrived at LFF. A queer story of epic proportions, the film tells a moving tale of war, generational trauma, and queerness across time. Through its three protagonists, the film's interconnected narrative spans different time periods, those being Carlos (Milo Quifes) in 1932, Sebastian (Guitarricadelafuente) in 1937, and Alberto (Carlos González) in 2017.
The film blends scenes taking place over 50 years apart in such a satisfying way it's staggering. Each timeline has its own distinct visual language, yet the sound and the edit connect them seamlessly, as music from the 2017 section begins to set in while the image is still in 1932. It showcases exactly how the queer experience persists across generations. And how could I forget the insane opening scene cutaway that uses a Grindr notification to signal modern day? La Bola Negra blends scenes in ways you would never think possible.
One thing I think will be talked about everywhere when this film hits cinemas is the oner, on par with last year's "I Lied to You" scene from Sinners. This continuous tracking shot takes place in 1932 as Carlos, wrestling with whether to be honest about his sexuality, is slumped over in a bar. The music sets in, and he is thrown between different dancing partners, going from his table to the stage to the bar, and ending with an absolute gut-punch of a conversation that sends him spiralling further. The music and organised chaos of this scene perfectly encapsulate Carlos' internal struggle, and it's just an absolute joy to watch.
But none of this would be as impactful as it is without all the performances in this film. Milo Quifes, in his film debut, looks like he is seconds away from bursting into tears in every scene. He lends Carlos a level of vulnerability that you can basically feel through the screen. Guitarricadelafuente and Carlos González are equally compelling, showcasing the complexities of their characters masterfully. Even the supporting roles have their moments to shine, with performances by Glenn Close, Penélope Cruz, and Lorenzo Zurzolo elevating every scene they are in.
La Bola Negra, at its core, says, "Love is everywhere." It's in every nook and cranny, no matter how lost to time or seemingly unimportant it may be. The film is so touching and emotionally raw that it's hard to put into words the way it makes you feel. At the end of the film, half the audience was in tears, and I truly believe it will be a big player during awards season. Few words could properly convey the scale and impact of this film, so just see for yourself. Fall in love with the characters and give yourself over to a tale that transcends time.
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