The return to cinemas of Alejandro Amenábar has generated excitement And with good reason: the Spanish-Chilean filmmaker returns with 'The Captive', a project inspired by the life of Miguel de Cervantes that blends adventure, history, and reflection on the power of storytelling. Years after the miniseries 'La Fortuna', and following a career that includes iconic titles from 'Thesis' and accolades such as the Oscar for 'The Sea Inside', the director proposes a new journey to a turbulent past in the 16th-century Mediterranean. The figure of Cervantes, his captivity in Algiers, and his instinct for storytelling They form the backbone of this film.
The project has been closely monitored since its inception: Filming in Valencia and Alicante, Filming took place at Ciudad de la Luz studios, and the series boasts an international cast and a top-notch technical team. A first trailer is already circulating, and press materials are available, while official information regarding the release date, runtime, and rating has been updated. Here we gather all the verified information that has emerged, from synopsis and cast to production, distribution and critical reception, so that you have a broad and straightforward view of everything surrounding 'The Captive'.
Release date, duration and rating
The film's public timeline has gone through several stages. When filming began in April 2024, a release date of late 2024 or early 2025 was speculated, which made sense given the traditional awards season. Later, an official statement set the theatrical release across Spain for October 17th, with distribution handled by Buena Vista International. According to the ICAA registry, the 'Release Date' is listed as 12/09/2025 and the 'Resolution Date' as 23/07/2025This demonstrates an adjustment to the agenda compared to the initial plans.
The official ICAA documentation also confirms that it is a 133-minute feature film, a work of fiction in the historical drama genre. The age rating is listed as 'Not recommended for children under 12,' consistent with a story that includes scenes of violence and tension typical of prison and wartime settings. The registered international title is 'The Captive', another detail that fits with the foreign sales strategy.
The exploitation data contained in file 153523 of the ICAA reflects €4.516.104,83 in revenue and 677.272 viewers, figures that place the film in a competitive range within the recent Spanish market. These official figures paint a picture of remarkable commercial performance for an auteur historical drama with an international vocation.
Synopsis and plot: Cervantes between life and story
The dramatic starting point dates back to 1575. Miguel de Cervantes, wounded in a naval battle and suffering physical aftereffects from Lepanto, is captured by Algerian corsairs on the high seas while returning to Spain from Italy. Taken to Algiers as a hostage, he awaits either his family to raise the ransom money or the intervention of religious orders. The young soldier soon discovers that his most effective weapon is his imagination., capable of boosting the spirits of the captives and of interesting the local governor himself.
The film presents a Cervantes who, finding himself trapped in a hostile reality, takes refuge in storytelling: tales, anecdotes, and episodes that intertwine with his experiences as a fabric of reality and fiction. This mixture draws on literary echoes, such as the famous episode of the captive and Zoraida from 'Don Quixote', and is reminiscent of the structure of 'One Thousand and One Nights' in the way it inserts stories that evolve according to convenience and necessity. The story within the story serves here as a mechanism for emotional and social survival.
As conflicts among the prisoners escalate, Miguel devises risky escape plans, some driven by the audacity of an adventurer, others by the desperation of a captive seeking a glimmer of freedom. The film also depicts his interactions with Hassan, the Pasha of Algiers, an enigmatic figure whose interest in the Spanish language becomes an unexpected focal point of the plot. Affinity, mistrust, negotiation, and cross-dependence These two men create a sustained dramatic tension.
From a historical perspective, it's noted that Cervantes was held captive for five years, with several failed escape attempts, and that a letter of recommendation signed by John of Austria worsened his situation with his captors, who considered him a valuable prisoner. The film distills this material to create an intimate, prison-like experience of forced learning: difficult coexistence, morals tested, and a labyrinth of favors, punishments, and promises without guarantees. The protagonist's persistent optimism acts as an ethical and narrative driving force amidst adversity..
Cast: faces and characters
The role of Miguel de Cervantes falls to Julio Peña, whom we have seen in 'Through My Window' and 'Berlin', facing here a mature challenge: sustaining a character that oscillates between the fragility of the captive and the strength of the storyteller. Opposite him, Alessandro Borghi—'Suburra', 'The Eight Mountains'—embodies the feared Hassan Pasha with a performance that blends authority, mystery, and an almost hypnotic interest in the prisoner. Both lead a proposal with a strong acting presence.
The set of secondary characters is broad and recognizable, comparable to lists of most iconic actors and actressesThe cast includes Miguel Rellán, Fernando Tejero, Luis Callejo, José Manuel Poga, Roberto Álamo, Albert Salazar, Juanma Muniagurria, César Sarachu, Jorge Asín, Mohamed Said, Walid Charaf, and newcomer Luna Berroa, among others. Within the cast, Miguel Rellán's performance as Antonio de Sosa, a historical Benedictine monk who provided numerous details about Cervantes' time in Algeria, has garnered particular attention. The cast combines veterans, new talents, and international profiles.
Technical equipment and music
The cinematography is by Álex Catalán, who previously collaborated with Amenábar on 'While at War,' and here employs a treatment of light and texture that underscores the harshness of the environment and the intimate nature of the story. Production design is by Juan Pedro de Gaspar, with particular emphasis on the prison recreation and the urban setting of Algiers. The costumes are designed by Nicoletta Taranta, with fabrics, cuts and color palettes that help to place the action in its historical context..
Carolina Martínez is in charge of editing, finding the necessary rhythm between the scenes of confinement, the escape plots, and the oral narrative sections. Visual effects are overseen by Ana Rubio, whose understated presence serves the film's verisimilitude. Sound design is by Gabriel Gutiérrez, crucial for capturing the physicality of the confinement and the atmosphere of the port and the city. Ana López Puigcerver and Belén López Puigcerver are the outstanding makeup and hairstylists, delivering meticulously detailed period work. The music is composed by Amenábar himself, reinforcing the protagonist's themes and moods..
Filming and locations
Filming took place in both the Valencian Community and Andalusia, with Valencia and Alicante playing a particularly prominent role. A significant portion was filmed at the Ciudad de la Luz studios, a complex that has hosted filmmakers such as J.A. Bayona, Ridley Scott, and Francis Ford Coppola, and which offers ideal logistical resources for period productions. The plan indicated around nine weeks of work. on different fronts.
Among the natural locations mentioned are Santa Pola, Pedreguer, Anna, Bunyol, and Bocairent, places that have served to recreate exteriors and Mediterranean settings for the plot. Filming also took place at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, lending monumentality and historical texture to specific sequences. The mosaic of settings reinforces the realism and scale of the captivity and its surroundings.
Trailer, poster and images
A first trailer is now available, introducing the premise of captivity, the clash between Cervantes and Hasan, and the idea of imagination as a refuge. Official images and promotional materials have also been released, showcasing the visual style and the attention to detail in the art direction and costumes. There is a link to the trailer on YouTube and updated press materials., accessible through the distributor's usual channels.
For those who want more corporate and communications information, there is a news and resources portal managed by The Walt Disney Company in Spain, as well as direct media contacts. The release schedule can be found on the Disney website in the Movies section.where changes and adjustments to dates are usually reflected when appropriate.
Production, financing and distribution
'The Captive' is a Spanish-Italian co-production, linked to the legacy of italian cinemaThe film is produced by Mod Producciones, Himenóptero, Misent Producciones, Mod Pictures, and Propaganda Italia. Partners include Netflix, RTVE, and RAI Cinema, with institutional support from Eurimages and Regione Lazio, as well as collaboration from the Valencian Government. Funding includes the ICAA of the Spanish Ministry of Culture and the Italian Ministry of Culture, with participation from Arcano and CREA SR.
In Spain, distribution is handled by Buena Vista International, The Walt Disney Company's theatrical release label. International sales are managed by Film Constellation, which has handled the film's positioning and marketing in foreign markets. The combination of a prestigious author and a universal theme facilitates the international circulation of the project.
Critical reception and debate
Amenábar's approach to Cervantes has generated mixed reviews. Some critics believe the film squanders the epic potential of captivity, with its escapes, intrigues, and chivalrous exploits that lent themselves to a more classic adventure story. According to this view, the focus on the relationship with Hassan Pasha, the exchange of favors, and the intimate tensions diminished the epic scope in favor of a somber drama of power and dependence. The almost total absence of female characters in the practical action is noted, except for the idealized figure of Zoraida, associated with the protagonist's mental world..
Those who offer the most critical interpretation have gone so far as to describe the emotional development between Cervantes and his jailer as a soap opera, and emphasize a bitter vision of the human condition dominated by pettiness, selfishness, and moral depravity. Critics also point out that the staging relies on limited prison spaces, offering less scenic variety than expected, and that the original score, composed by Amenábar himself, is less impactful than desired. However, Miguel Rellán's performance as Antonio de Sosa is usually highlighted.as well as recognizing Julio Peña's effort in a demanding role.
On the other hand, literary references are valued: the influence of 'One Thousand and One Nights' in the structure of linked stories, Cervantine elements such as the barber's basin or the windmills transformed into giants, and the mention of 'Lazarillo de Tormes,' banned by the Inquisition, as a nod to textual roguishness. The idea of using narrative as a vital refuge, an emotional fuel that bridges the gap between the real man and the budding writer, is also applauded. This reading prioritizes the metanarrative component over the epic..
The cultural conversation that the film opens is significant: how to represent a literary symbol without falling into hagiography? Should external adventure or inner journey take precedence? Is it legitimate to speculate about emotions and behavior when historical documentation is incomplete? These are questions that the film raises, and which have sparked intense and conflicting opinions. The result, whether you like it or not, stimulates debate about memory, myth, and creative freedom..
Historical context and biographical notes
The historical context is key. After Lepanto, where he was wounded and lost mobility in his left arm, Cervantes spent several years in Italy before beginning his return to Spain. During this journey, he was captured by a Turkish-Berber fleet. The most valuable captives were held under strict guard awaiting ransom, sometimes through the mediation of Mercedarian or Trinitarian friars. Possession of a letter signed by John of Austria increased the price of his ransom, complicating his release..
During his imprisonment, there were several escape attempts, not always well-coordinated or successful, and posing enormous risks to everyone involved. Meanwhile, life in prison was a complex web of hierarchies, punishments, and petty alliances—a perfect breeding ground for Cervantes's imagination to flourish. The Algerian experience, beyond the suffering, left a creative residue that surfaces in his later work.
Press materials and useful links
The official statement mentions that there is a link to the trailer on YouTube and a package of materials available for media and exhibitors. Additionally, The Walt Disney Company maintains a press portal in Spain where press releases, dossiers, and graphic resources are published: prensa.disney.es. For professional inquiries, Rosa García Merino can be contacted through FeatureNet at prensa@featurent.com and via corporate social media profiles. on Instagram, Facebook and X.
If you're looking for dates and last-minute changes, you can check the release schedule on the Disney website, in the Movies section, where updates are centralized. Keep in mind that, as we've seen, the release schedule can change due to market conditions or festival schedules. It is advisable to check the date with the ICAA and the distributor. to prevent confusions.
Technical specifications and official data
- OriginalThe captive
- International titleThe Captive
- GenderHistorical drama
- Use cases: Fiction film
- Duration: 133 minutes
- QualificationNot recommended for children under 12 years old
- Year of production: 2025
- ICAA File: 153523
- Date of resolution: 23 / 07 / 2025
- Release date: 12/09/2025 (ICAA) / Prior notification: October 17
- Collection: €4.516.104,83
- Spectators: 677.272
- ProducersMod Productions, Hymenoptera, Misent Productions, Mod Pictures, Propaganda Italia
- ParticipateNetflix, RTVE, RAI Cinema
- Support and funding: ICAA, Ministry of Culture of Spain, Ministry of Culture of Italy, Eurimages, Regione Lazio, Generalitat Valenciana, Arcano, CREA SR
- Distribution in Spain: Buena Vista International (The Walt Disney Company)
- International salesFilm Constellation
- UndercarriageAlicante, Santa Pola, Pedreguer, Anna, Bunyol, Bocairent, Ciudad de la Luz and the Royal Alcázar of Seville
- AddressAlejandro Amenábar
- ScreenwritingAlejandro Amenábar
- ART GALLERY: Alex Catalán
- Production DesignJuan Pedro de Gaspar
- LockerNicoletta Taranta
- MountingCarolina Martínez
- Visual effectsAna Rubio
- Makeup and hairdressingAna López Puigcerver, Belén López Puigcerver
- SoundGabriel Gutiérrez
- MusicAlejandro Amenábar
- Main cast: Julio Peña, Alessandro Borghi, Miguel Rellán, Fernando Tejero, Luis Callejo, José Manuel Poga, Roberto Álamo, Albert Salazar, Juanma Muniagurria, César Sarachu, Jorge Asín, Mohamed Said, Walid Charaf, Luna Berroa
- Hashtag#TheCaptive
Alejandro Amenábar, career and context
Amenábar returns to feature films after 'La Fortuna'—a 2021 miniseries starring Álvaro Mel and Stanley Tucci for Movistar Plus+—with the experience of a filmography that began in 1996 with 'Tesis' and was consolidated with some of the biggest hits in Spanish cinema. Throughout his career, he has won numerous awards, including eight Goya Awards and two Fotogramas de Plata Awards, as well as the Oscar for Best International Feature Film for 'The Sea Inside'. His dual role as director and composer is once again present in 'The Captive'.
Amenábar's affinity for stories that explore identity, memory, and moral tensions aligns with his portrayal of the young Cervantes. Although based on real events, the film makes creative choices that have sparked debate. That tension between historical accuracy and authorial license is part of the project's DNAand largely explains the disparity of reactions.
What the trailer shows
The preview reveals the tone of the central conflict: a harsh captivity, the hierarchy of power in Algiers, Hassan's fascination with the Castilian language, and the emergence of stories as a glimmer of hope. There are also hints of violence, conspiracies, and escape plans, with Cervantes weaving fictions that, in turn, shape his character. Visually, it is dominated by an earthy palette and strong contrasts of light., reinforcing the oppressive atmosphere of the prison environment.
As usual, the major set pieces and action climaxes are reserved, allowing audiences to enter the theater with a degree of surprise. The focus, rather than on non-stop spectacle, seems to be on dramatic tension and the interplay between imagination and survival. That is the unique point that can differentiate the film on the billboard..
'The Captive' is presented as an authorial historical drama that focuses on Cervantes' inner journey through storytelling and confinement, with a solid cast and remarkable technical polish. There is friction in the reception due to the portrayal of the protagonist and the weight of certain plot lines.But it's also a thought-provoking exploration of how a storyteller is forged under extreme circumstances. For those who want to follow its release closely: it's distributed by Buena Vista International in Spain, international sales are handled by Film Constellation, the ICAA has a runtime of 133 minutes, and it's rated for ages 12 and up. Between the trailer, promotional materials, and official release schedule, you can check the latest date before planning your trip to the cinema.