The Cage (Jaula) movie storyline. Earth has been depopulated by a superior intelligence. Since then, an enormous floating ship watches from the sky without showing any greater sign of life. Eva and Fausto have survived together for years, but reality has begun to lose meaning for them. One day, the routine that they are used to is disrupted by the arrival of a third survivor, Dafne.
From that moment on, the three of them start to live as members of a species in danger of extinction – they become hedonists. Under stress from the constant threat, Fausto begins to rave, and puts all of their lives in danger. Deranged, he decides to face the threat and end his life in a suicide attack, unwittingly engendering a much bigger plan that will be impossible to stop.
The Cage (Jaula) is a 2022 Spanish film, directed by Ignacio Tatay in his debut as a director and written by Tatay and Isabel Peña. It stars Elena Anaya, Pablo Molinero, Carlos Santos, Eva Llorach, Esther Acebo, Eloy Azorín, Eva Tennear, Mona Martínez, Sonia Almarcha, Cayetana Campos, Rodrigo Sáenz de Heredia ahr Pau Roca. The screenplay was written by Isabel Peña and Ignacio Tatay.
Filming of The Cage (Jaula) was supposed to take place in early 2020, however it was postponed to July of the same year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was shot in various areas of the autonomous community of Madrid.
Distributed in Spain by Sony Entertainment, the film arrived in cinemas starting from September 9, 2022. Subsequently, the work is distributed internationally by Netflix on October 24, 2022. In Spain, the film grossed the equivalent of $177,828 in euros.
Film Review for The Cage
In this review of “The Cage” (Jaula), a Spanish film distributed by Netflix and directed by Ignacio Tatay, we discover that even in this genre, there are hidden gems to be found. Tatay’s thriller follows a somewhat familiar premise but manages to build tension effectively, immersing the audience in a crescendo of anxiety.
Drawing inspiration from the psychological thriller genre, the film evokes shades of previous notable works from the Iberian Peninsula, most notably Juan Antonio Bayona’s “The Orphanage,” albeit without the supernatural elements. Like its predecessor, “The Chalk Line” intrigues with an enticing premise, unexpected twists, and a captivating lead performance.
October brings a plethora of thriller and horror titles to streaming platforms, riding the wave of viewers’ renewed interest during the spooky season. Often, these films fail to leave a lasting impression and get lost among the multitude of genre productions flooding the schedules. However, Ignacio Tatay, a filmmaker from Madrid, manages to pleasantly surprise both industry insiders and the general public with his debut feature, “The Chalk Line” (Jaula), quickly climbing the ranks of most-watched films on Netflix in many countries.
The story revolves around Paula (Elena Anaya) and Simon (Pablo Molinero), a couple struggling to conceive a child. One fateful evening, while driving along a desolate country road, they encounter a young girl (Eva Tennear) walking alone, barefoot. Overwhelmed by shock, the girl collapses and is rushed to the hospital, where her critical condition is discovered. Unable to speak, the child, later known as Clara, establishes a connection only with Simon and Paula.
To help her feel secure, the couple begins drawing chalk lines on the floor, expanding her limited movement as she gains confidence. After a few days, Clara utters a few whispered words in German, hinting at her potential origins. However, the mystery deepens when Clara suddenly vanishes, plunging Paula into despair. Did she run away or was she abducted? The resolution to this enigma may be much closer, and more disturbing, than Paula and Simon ever imagined.
As anticipated, “The Cage” (Jaula) is a gripping thriller that steadily intensifies the tension. The exceptional performances, particularly Elena Anaya’s portrayal of Paula, contribute to the film’s success. Paula is a multifaceted and convincing character, simultaneously fragile, courageous, strong, and resilient. The bond she forms with Clara, portrayed by the talented Eva Tennear, evokes a mix of unease and innocent vulnerability, deeply affecting viewers. They sympathize with Paula, driven by her maternal instinct and fighting alone to protect the child she believes is hers. Paula’s character bears resemblance to Laura, played by Belén Rueda in a similar vein.
The symbolic use of chalk lines, confining Clara’s movements while simultaneously granting her a sense of freedom, is narratively effective. It adds a dual nature to the story, steering it in different directions. The lines on the floor serve as both a prison and a tool for Clara’s growing liberty. This duality is also embodied by Clara herself, who, except for Paula, is suspected of occasional acts of unexpected violence, yet emanates fragility and innocence.
Although the film follows a somewhat conventional narrative path, it surprises viewers with its final act. Through a sudden shift in perspective, the mystery behind the child’s origins is unveiled. This ending, although perhaps a bit rushed, leaves a lasting impact, revealing a shocking and undeniably human horror, dispelling any doubts of supernatural explanations. “The Chalk Line” (Jaula) pleasantly caught us off guard and is sure to be appreciated by both thriller aficionados and those who occasionally venture into this genre, especially during this time of the year.
The unexpected twist in the timeline, accompanied by a drastic change in tone and genre, represents the essence of a film that thrives on genetic mutation and keeping viewers on their toes. It defies initial expectations, morphing in shape, color, tone, and substance, gradually revealing the truth. “The Cage” (Jaula) stands as a solid directorial debut, surpassing the stylistic and aesthetic standards set by most first-time directors.
“The Cage” (Jaula) masterfully constructs and maintains tension, making it highly engrossing. Elena Anaya delivers an exceptional performance, and the film’s ending is truly surprising. Initially, viewers may be led to believe they are watching another fictional horror centered around a boogeyman or a sinister figure. However, the Spanish director, in collaboration with Isabel Peña during the writing phase, skillfully deceives the audience, presenting a lure that satisfies the expected themes and stylistic elements of the horror genre before transitioning seamlessly into the treacherous territory of psychological thrillers.
The Cage – La Jaula (2018)
Directed by: Ignacio Tatay
Starring: Elena Anaya, Pablo Molinero, Carlos Santos, Eva Llorach, Esther Acebo, Eloy Azorín, Eva Tennear, Mona Martínez, Sonia Almarcha, Cayetana Campos, Rodrigo Sáenz de Heredia, Pau Roca
Screenplay by: Isabel Peña, Ignacio Tatay
Production Design by: Felix Calzadilla
Cinematography by: Andrés Díaz, David D. Rivera Rojas, David Rivera
Film Editing by: Bettsy Battig
Set Decoration by: Eli Gonzalez
Music by: Tommy Leb
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: High Octane Pictures ((United States), Sony Pictures Releasing (International9, Netflix
Release Date: September 8, 2018 (Spain), October 26, 2018 (Unied States)
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