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Julia's Eyes

Julia's Eyes

Los Ojos de Julia

Guillem Morales

  • Country: Spain
  • Year: 2010
  • Language: Spanish
  • Producer: Joaquin Padró
  • Executive Producer: Joaquin Padró, Mar Targarona, Guillermo del Toro
  • Screenplay: Oriol Paulo, Guillem Morales
  • Runtime: 112
  • Programmes:

Julia, a woman suffering from a degenerative eye disease, finds her blind twin sister Sara hanged in the basement of her house. Julia decides to investigate what she feels is a murder case, entering a dark world that seems to hide a mysterious presence. As Julia begins to uncover the terrifying truth about her sister's death, her sight deteriorates, until a series of unexplained deaths and disappearances cross her path. The film stars Belén Rueda and Lluis Homar.

Horror,  Spain,  Disabilities,  Crime & Thriller

screening times

    • Saturday September 11
    • 9:45:00 PM
    • SCOTIABANK THEATRE 2
    • Sunday September 12
    • 12:30:00 PM
    • AMC 3
    • Saturday September 18
    • 9:00:00 PM
    • ISABEL BADER THEATRE

Note: indicates Premium Screening.

official description

Guillermo del Toro has an exceptional eye for new talent and his latest film as producer, Julia's Eyes, directed by Spanish newcomer Guillem Morales, promises to terrify audiences. Morales's second feature skillfully unites themes of blindness and invisibility in this artful combination of drama and thriller. Impeccably constructed, Julia's Eyes will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Julia (The Orphanage's Belén Rueda) has a degenerative disease that will eventually leave her blind. Her twin sister struggles with the same illness until she's found hanging in the family basement. Everyone assumes that she committed suicide, but Julia remains unconvinced. A series of clues send her on an investigation to determine the true cause of her sister's death. She is sure that she is being watched but she cannot see her observer. Is it a mere distortion of her failing eyesight or is she only imagining things? Could the man that observes her be invisible? These questions remain shrouded in mystery throughout Julia's tense journey.

After Julia undergoes the surgical procedure that was unable to save her sister's eyesight, she is forced to wear a bandage over her eyes for two weeks so the cure can take effect. Again she is sure that the man who killed her sister is entering her house at night. The tension ratchets up as Julia struggles with her fear of sightlessness and becomes increasingly isolated from everyone around her; they're convinced that her imagination is simply getting the better of her.

Morales's use of the horror genre to frame a woman coming to terms with the onset of blindness is achieved through precise camerawork that augments the suspenseful atmosphere. Morales places us right in Julia's shoes and we experience the movie from her perspective. Themes of sight and seeing, visibility and invisibility give the film greater scope and allow it to transcend stereotypes.

There is nothing more frightening than an invisible predator, and nothing more terrible than not being able to perceive those around you. Julia's Eyes challenges us to see with more than just our eyes.

Diana Sanchez

director bio

Guillem Morales was born in Barcelona. His short films as director include Back Room (99), Gracia exquisita (00), Upside Down (02) and Divadlo (02). He made his feature film debut with The Uncertain Guest (04). Julia's Eyes (10) is his second feature film.

full credits

Principal Cast: Belén Rueda, Lluis Homar
Producer: Joaquin Padró
Executive Producer: Joaquin Padró, Mar Targarona, Guillermo del Toro
Cinematographer: Oscar Faura
Editor: Joan Manel Vilaseca
Sound: Albert Manera
Music: Fernando Velázquez
Production Designer: Balter Gallart
   
International Sales Agent: DeAPlaneta International
Production Company: Rodar y Rodar
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