Mubi Acquires 'La Mesías' for Global Distribution, Highlighting Acclaimed Spanish Series
Mubi has acquired the exclusive streaming rights for 'La Mesías,' an acclaimed series created by the duo Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, collectively known as Los Javis. This development marks a significant global push for the Spanish production, which is set to premiere on Mubi platforms in several key international markets, starting September 3rd. The series has garnered considerable attention for its unique narrative and stylistic approach, following in the footsteps of Los Javis' previous successes, including their Cannes Best Director win for 'La bola negra.' The distribution deal underscores the growing international appetite for high-quality Spanish television content.
The series, produced as a Movistar Plus Original in collaboration with Suma Content, will be available for streaming in the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Australia, and France. This wide release reflects the confidence Mubi and Movistar Plus International have in the series' global resonance. 'La Mesías' is celebrated by many as a prime example of Spain's recent surge in exceptional film and television. Its narrative depth and innovative storytelling have captivated audiences and critics alike, securing its place as a significant cultural export.
Before 'La Mesías,' Los Javis made a name for themselves with 'Veneno,' which found success on HBO in the U.S. 'La Mesías' further showcases their ambition and distinctive vision. The show tells the story of Enric, a recluse in his thirties, whose life is upended after encountering a viral video of Stella Maris, a Christian pop band. The discovery that the band members are his estranged younger sisters, who grew up under the influence of their religiously fanatic mother, Montse, propels him on a mission to rescue them from their past.
The plot skillfully navigates between Enric's present in 2013 and flashbacks to his childhood in the 1980s, and his sisters' adolescence around 1997. This temporal fluidity allows for a rich exploration of the characters' psychological landscapes and the lasting impact of their upbringing. The production itself was a massive undertaking, involving 25 weeks of filming across 30 rural locations near Barcelona, featuring 170 characters and 3,800 extras. The use of 16mm film for the 1980s flashbacks adds a dreamlike, nostalgic quality, enhancing the thematic elements of memory and trauma.
'La Mesías' defies easy categorization, blending genres from psychodrama in its opening episode to a more procedural feel in another, and even incorporating musical elements. Despite its stylistic diversity, the series consistently emphasizes the profound influence of family dynamics and education. The involvement of critically acclaimed actors such as Roger Casamayor, Macarena García, Ana Rujas, Lola Dueñas, and Carmen Machi further elevates the production, with Dueñas, a Cannes Best Actress winner, bringing depth to the role of Montse across different stages of her life.
Javier Calvo has articulated the series' core message, highlighting the difficulty of overcoming deeply ingrained teachings and the enduring presence of the past. He notes that while the series touches on religion, its true focus is on education and its transformative power, a theme that resonates personally with him as a member of the LGBT community. 'La Mesías' first premiered at the San Sebastián Festival in 2023 to widespread critical acclaim, subsequently becoming the first Spanish series to be selected for the Sundance Festival. It also earned awards for direction and a Student Audience Award at Series Mania, with French publication La Liberation hailing it as one of the year's most beautiful series.
This global distribution by Mubi for 'La Mesías' follows the recent acquisition of Los Javis' other work, 'La bola negra,' by Netflix for Cannes, positioning it as a strong contender for awards. The success of these projects underscores the creative prowess of Los Javis and the increasing recognition of Spanish storytelling on the international stage.
