The Black Ball Review: Los Javis' Debut Feature Weaves Three Timelines in an Ode to Gay Storytellers
By
Kate Erbland
Fresh out the oven, still warm. Top of the tray.
Summary
Los Javis (Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi) make their feature film debut with "The Black Ball (La Bola Negra)," a structurally ambitious film that weaves three narratives across three timelines with distinct visual identities. The film blends neorealist storytelling with Lorca-inspired elements, serving as an ode to gay storytellers and love stories buried by Spanish history. It features a closeted young man's story alongside other interconnected tales that span different eras.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledIt is nearly impossible to grasp the structural effort required to fluidly create one perfectly coherent story using three narratives told across three timelines, each with a distinct visual identity.
While it is technically accurate to say that 'The Black Ball (La Bola Negra)' is the first feature film from Spain's beloved creative duo, it feels truer to say that they have made four films and magically contained them within the form of one.
This Lorca-inspired ode to love stories buried by Spanish history.
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