Short Summary: An Unbroken Cycle
This visually and intellectually stimulating Peruvian drama, directed by Daniel Vidal Toche, follows Ángel, an 18th-century revolutionary who, after being defeated in battle, miraculously travels through time to his village in the present day. As he grapples with this temporal shift, he questions what remains of the ideals he fought for and confronts a new form of oppression that mirrors the colonial struggles of his own era.
Detailed Summary: A Time-Traveler’s Quest for Meaning
-
The film begins with an 18th-century revolutionary named Ángel, returning defeated to his village in the Peruvian Andes with his fatally wounded brother. After his brother dies, Ángel is told in a dream that he will travel through time.
-
He wakes up in the present day, amidst a surreal landscape where ancient traditions clash with modern technology. He arrives at his village to find it completely transformed, hosting a fair sponsored by a mining company.
-
Initially disoriented, Ángel finds his place by participating in a traditional ritual dance, all while grappling with the realization that the revolution he fought for seems to have been in vain.
-
He meets Eustaquia, a young woman searching for her twin sister who has disappeared while protesting against the same mining company that is now poisoning their land.
-
Together, Ángel and Eustaquia form an unlikely bond, questioning whether revolutionary thinking should be consigned to the past and if the fight against oppression and exploitation will ever truly end in Peru.
Director’s Vision: A Contemplation of Time and Revolution
Daniel Vidal Toche’s directorial debut is a demanding but deeply authentic contemplation on the nature of time and the futility of revolution. Drawing from his personal feelings about Peru’s cyclical struggles, Toche uses the character of Ángel to explore the idea that the desire for change often seems to fail, leaving people trapped in an unbroken cycle. The film is a visually and intellectually stimulating journey, utilizing a 4:3 aspect ratio, high-contrast imagery, and long, deliberate takes to create an atmospheric and introspective experience. Toche’s vision is a profound reflection on how the struggle against colonialism has been replaced by corporate “extractivism” and whether revolutionary thought can still be relevant today.
Themes: Time and History, The Futility of Revolution, and Indigenous Identity
-
Time as a Flat Circle: A central theme is the idea that history repeats itself. The film suggests that the struggles of the 18th century are mirrored in the present-day fight against corporate exploitation, creating a powerful sense of timeless conflict and the persistence of human suffering.
-
The Futility of Revolution: The film questions whether revolution is a permanent state of being or an inherent human flaw. Ángel’s journey forces him to confront the possibility that his struggle was ultimately futile and that the fight against oppression may be a never-ending cycle.
-
Indigenous Identity and Modernity: The film provides an authentic and unromanticized view of indigenous life in the Peruvian Andes, showing how ancient traditions and rituals exist alongside the harsh realities of corporate influence and environmental degradation.
Key success factors: Originality, powerful imagery, and a thought-provoking narrative
-
Remarkably Original Concept: The film’s unique premise, which blends historical drama with a magical realism approach to time travel, sets it apart from traditional period pieces or dramas.
-
Striking Visuals: The cinematography by Angello Faccini is a key success factor. With a 4:3 aspect ratio and a focus on natural lighting and high-contrast imagery, the film’s visual style is both beautiful and haunting, effectively capturing the rugged landscape of the Andes.
-
A Cohesive International Production: The film’s co-production between Spain, Peru, Colombia, and France showcases a successful collaboration that brings diverse creative talents and resources together to tell a distinctly Peruvian story with global relevance.
-
Intellectual Depth: The Anatomy of the Horses is not a passive viewing experience. Its cryptic narrative, metaphorical dialogue, and slow pace challenge the audience to think deeply about its themes, rewarding those who invest in the film’s unique approach.
Awards and Nominations: A Promising Festival Debut
The Anatomy of the Horses had its world premiere in the Proxima Competition at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The film’s inclusion in this prestigious festival is a significant recognition, positioning it as a new voice in world cinema and a potential contender for other awards in the festival circuit.
Critics Reception: Polarizing but Authentic
Critics’ reception for The Anatomy of the Horses has been highly polarized but largely positive, with a consensus on its authenticity and originality.
-
Cineuropa praised the film as “a demanding but remarkable and authentic contemplation of the nature of time and the futility of revolution.” The review highlights its “quizzical narrative approach” and “tonally pessimistic slant” as elements that make it a challenging but rewarding watch.
-
Yahoo called the film “an exploration of time and revolution in the remote highlands of Peru” and lauded the director’s ability to express his feelings about his country’s cyclical struggles.
-
Other reviews on sites like Cinecircolo Romano and Playa Chica Films describe the film as “hypnotic,” “visually powerful,” and a “wild magical realism.”
Overall, the critics’ reception suggests that while the film is not for everyone due to its challenging narrative style, it is a significant and authentic work that poses important questions about history, identity, and the struggle against oppression.
Theatrical Release: A Festival and Limited Run
The Anatomy of the Horses had its world premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July 2025. A limited theatrical release in Spain is being handled by Sideral Cinema, but a wider international release schedule has not yet been announced.
Why to watch this movie: A Unique and Profound Cinematic Experience
-
For Fans of Arthouse Cinema: This is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys films that challenge traditional narrative structures and offer a unique, introspective viewing experience.
-
To Explore Universal Themes: The film’s central questions about revolution, time, and oppression are universally relevant, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in philosophy and history.
-
A Glimpse into Peruvian Culture: The film provides an authentic and rare look into the indigenous life and struggles of the Peruvian Andes, a perspective not often seen in mainstream cinema.
-
To Support a New Voice in Cinema: As the feature debut of Daniel Vidal Toche, watching this film is a great way to support a promising new director and an original cinematic vision.
Movie Trend: The Rise of Magical Realism in International Cinema
The Anatomy of the Horses fits within the growing trend of magical realism in international cinema. This trend uses fantastical elements, like time travel, to tell stories about real-world issues, often from the perspective of a marginalized culture. By blending the supernatural with the political, these films offer a powerful and metaphorical way to critique societal problems and explore deep philosophical questions.
Social Trend: Re-examining Colonial Legacies
The film directly addresses the social trend of re-examining colonial legacies and their impact on modern society. By placing an 18th-century revolutionary in the present day, the film forces a direct comparison between historical colonialism and the “corporate extractivism” that is currently affecting indigenous communities. This trend highlights the ongoing struggle for autonomy and justice for indigenous peoples and provides a platform for their stories to be heard.
Final Verdict: A Challenging but Essential Debut
The Anatomy of the Horses is a challenging but essential debut from director Daniel Vidal Toche. It is not a film that provides easy answers but rather a cinematic journey that forces the viewer to confront difficult questions about history, justice, and the nature of time. While its demanding pace and cryptic narrative may not be for everyone, its originality, visual power, and profound themes make it a significant and unforgettable work of art. It is a film that bites and bleeds, leaving a lasting impression and serving as a powerful and authentic voice for the ongoing struggles of Peru.