Álex de la Iglesia, known for his outstanding films such as ‘The Day of the Beast’ and ‘The Community’, brings us a new installment with ‘The Witches of Zugarramurdi’A blend of comedy and horror that transports viewers to the heart of Navarre. This film, released in 2013, is inspired by a famous 17th-century historical trial and is set in the legendary village of Zugarramurdi, known for its witches and occult practices. The plot follows three men who, after robbing a jewelry store, end up in Zugarramurdi, where they are trapped by a horde of cannibalistic witches. This journey into the unknown becomes a chaotic experience that mixes dark humor with horror, a formula that Álex de la Iglesia handles masterfully.
Synopsis of ‘The Witches of Zugarramurdi’
The story begins with José (interpreted by Hugo Silva), a divorced father who has promised to take his son Sergio (Gabriel Delgado) at Disneyland Paris. In a desperate economic situation, he decides to steal with his friend Tony (Mario Casas) a “We Buy Gold” shop in Madrid. After the robbery, in which they obtain a large quantity of gold rings, they are pursued by the police. During their escape, they kidnap Manuel (Jaime Ordóñez), a taxi driver who finds himself caught in this crazy spiral of events. The situation worsens when they decide to cross the Pyrenees to escape to France, but end up in the town of Zugarramurdi, famous for its history of witchcraft. There they are captured by a group of cannibal witches, led by Graciana (Carmen Maura), maritxu (Terele Pávez) and Eva (Carolina Bang). Men become the target of these witches, who plan to use them in a dark ritual. In a desperate attempt to save themselves, José and his companions must face their worst fears, while trying to recover their loot and get out alive.
The historical background of Zugarramurdi
Zugarramurdi, the main setting of the film, is a real town in Navarre that is known for its association with witchcraft. In the 17th century, one of the most famous witch trials took place there, culminating in the burning of several women accused of practicing occult rites. This event, known as the Auto de Fe of Logroño of 1610This served as inspiration for Álex de la Iglesia when developing the screenplay for his film. The film skillfully blends these historical elements with elements of popular culture, creating a work that, while comedic, underscores the power of legends and the mystical character of Zugarramurdi. De la Iglesia himself has stated in several interviews that the idea of filming in this location was a personal obsession, as he considers it an emblematic site deeply linked to the imagery of witchcraft in Spain.
The cast
One of the great attractions of ‘The Witches of Zugarramurdi’ is its excellent cast, packed with well-known actors in the Spanish film scene. The main characters include:
- Mario Casas as Tony
- Hugo Silva as Jose
- Carmen Maura as Graciana
- Carolina Bang as Eve
- Terele Pávez as Maritxu
- Pepón Nieto as Inspector Calvo
- Gabriel Delgado as Sergio
- Santiago Segura as Miren
Each of these actors embodies unforgettable characters, with roles that move between the comical and the terrifying, adding a unique touch to the surreal and grotesque tone of the film.
Awards and acknowledgements
‘Las brujas de Zugarramurdi’ was one of the most outstanding Spanish films of 2013, achieving a high impact at major film festivals and awards. In the 28th edition of the Goya Awards, the film got 8 awards from 10 nominations, highlighting:
- Best Supporting Actress for Terele Pávez
- Best Mounting for Pablo Blanco
- Best Art Direction for Arturo Garcia and Jose Luis Arrizabalaga
- Best Special Effects for Juan Ramon Molina and Ferran Piquer
He also received recognition at international festivals such as the Toronto Film Festival and the San Sebastian Festival, where it was presented out of competition. These awards reflect the success both on a technical and artistic level, consolidating Álex de la Iglesia as one of the most influential directors of contemporary Spanish cinema.
Analysis of comedy and horror in ‘Las brujas de Zugarramurdi’
Alex de la Iglesia has defined the film as a mix between Los Goonies y The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a crossover of genres that underlies his entire filmography. The film uses a black comedy which is combined with elements of horror, creating a unique atmosphere that plays with the grotesque and the absurd. This approach is a hallmark of the director, who had already explored these themes in previous works such as The Day of the Beast o CommunityIn ‘Las brujas de Zugarramurdi’, the comedy arises from the interaction between the male characters, who represent an ironic vision of the fragile masculinity, and witches, who symbolize a ancestral feminine force and vengeful. This gender conflict is presented in an exaggerated way, with a clear satirical intent that spares no one. The horror scenes, meanwhile, are carefully designed to generate both laughter and tension. Moments like the final witches’ sabbath or the appearance of the gigantic witch goddess are full of a sense of visual spectacle that stands out for its bizarre aesthetic and elaborate special effects.
Why watch ‘The Witches of Zugarramurdi’?
If you’re a fan of Álex de la Iglesia’s films, this one is a must-see. It delivers everything that characterizes the director: eccentric characters, dark tones, and a narrative that isn’t afraid to go to extremes. Furthermore, the film offers a different perspective on Spanish witchcraft legends, blending historical elements with a contemporary plot brimming with humor and social commentary. The talented actors and special effects, combined with a disturbing yet comical atmosphere, make ‘Las brujas de Zugarramurdi’ (The Witches of Zugarramurdi) an unforgettable film within the horror-comedy genre. Its success at the box office and film festivals is proof of its ability to entertain and surprise audiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this adventure where witchcraft legends come to life, offering us a chaotic and hilarious journey.