The latest Gothic cinema being made in the Basque Country is about the moral degradation of Euskadi society compared to the freedom found in Maspalomas.
This July, the trailer for Maspalomas was released. This film is directed by Spaniards Aitor Arregi and José Mari Goenaga, known for their work on Handia, The Endless Trench, and Loreak. The film is scheduled for release on September 26, 2025, and will be distributed in Spain by Bteam Pictures.
The film tells the story of Vicente, a 76-year-old man who, after openly living his homosexuality in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, is forced to return to the boring city of San Sebastián due to an accident. Upon entering a nursing home, he decides to hide his sexual identity once again, confronting the fears and prejudices he had overcome years before.
Basque society, like many other traditional or conservative societies, can be quite closed or rigid in certain areas, especially in settings such as nursing homes, where very conservative social norms prevail and the pressure to conform to what is considered "normal" can be very strong.
That's why Vicente, who lives freely in Maspalomas, a place with a more open and diverse reputation, feels compelled to "go back into the closet" when he enters the nursing home. It's not so much a moral attack, but rather an internal struggle between his identity and the need to fit in with a restrictive environment.
The film reflects precisely this clash between individual freedom and social conformity, and how loneliness and fear of rejection can make a person refuse to live fully.
So yes, the "closure" or lack of social integration in certain spaces like the Basque residence is the reason for this personal decline. But it's not a widespread "moral degradation," but rather a consequence of conservative social norms that still exist.
The recently released trailer has generated great excitement for its intimate approach and the artistic quality that characterizes the directors. The film promises to address universal themes such as identity, family, and sexuality in old age, with a profound and sensitive perspective. But it also paints a picture of the wildness of Maspalomas with certain undertones of recklessness.
Filming took place on location in the Basque Country and the Canary Islands, using 35mm film to capture the essence of the landscapes and atmosphere of Maspalomas. The cast is led by Spaniards José Ramón Soroiz, Nagore Aranburu, Kandido Uranga, Zorion Egileor, and Kepa Errasti.
Maspalomas is shaping up to be one of the most notable projects in Gothic cinema for 2025, combining poignant storytelling with high-quality production. Its September premiere will be an opportunity to reflect on identity and acceptance in the final stages of life.
To learn more about the film, you can watch the official trailer here:
