Why a ghost story set in a Spanish orphanage is a masterpiece of dread

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Guillermo del Toro’s 2001 film blends gothic horror with the harsh realities of the Spanish Civil War. Centered on a remote orphanage housing a hidden treasure and a restless spirit, it explores how trauma and greed manifest in a landscape defined by conflict, loss, and the fragility of innocence.

Set in 1939, the film follows young Carlos as he arrives at a secluded orphanage managed by Dr. Casares and Carmen. The facility serves as a sanctuary for children of Republican loyalists, but it is also a site of intense tension. The staff protects a cache of gold intended to support the Republican treasury, while the groundskeeper, Jacinto, harbors a dangerous obsession with the treasure, fueled by his own traumatic history at the school and the brutalizing influence of the ongoing war.

The narrative is haunted by the presence of Santi, a boy who vanished under mysterious circumstances. As Carlos uncovers the truth, he learns that Santi was murdered by Jacinto, who killed the child to keep him silent about a failed robbery attempt. This revelation transforms the ghost from a source of terror into a vengeful force, eventually leading the orphans to confront their tormentor in a climactic struggle that blends supernatural justice with human desperation.

Del Toro’s vision evolved through numerous iterations, originally conceived as a story set during the Mexican Revolution featuring a three-armed Christ figure. The final title, The Devil's Backbone, refers to the jars of preserved fetuses afflicted with spina bifida kept by the doctor, which were rumored to possess medicinal properties. This macabre detail underscores the film's preoccupation with the intersection of life, death, and the lingering scars of the past.

Critics have lauded the film as a potent political allegory and a deeply moving horror experience. With a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is frequently cited for its atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. By filtering the horrors of war through the perspective of a child, the film captures a unique sense of dread that remains both elegant and gut-wrenching.

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