Bitter Christmas (Amarga Navidad)

Bitter Christmas (Amarga Navidad)— Release Date: March 20, 2026. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, the Spanish comedy-drama stars Bárbara Lennie and Leonardo Sbaraglia alongside Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Victoria Luengo, Patrick Criado, Milena Smit, Quim Gutiérrez, Carmen Machi, Gloria Muñoz, and Rossy de Palma. Produced by El Deseo with the collaboration of Movistar Plus+, the film will be released theatrically in Spain by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Set during the Christmas season, the story follows Elsa, an advertising director navigating the emotional aftermath of her mother’s death in December. In an effort to avoid confronting her grief, Elsa immerses herself in work, using professional commitments as a shield against personal loss. However, when a panic attack disrupts her routine, she is compelled to step away from her fast-paced life in Madrid.

Seeking distance and perspective, Elsa travels to Lanzarote with her friend Patricia, while her partner Bonifacio remains behind in the capital. The change in setting — from Madrid’s urban energy to Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes and coastal expanses — forms a visual and emotional counterpoint to Elsa’s internal turmoil. The narrative unfolds across these contrasting environments, tracing Elsa’s attempts to process loss, identity, and personal relationships during a season traditionally associated with family and celebration.

Principal photography began on 9 June 2025, with cinematography by Pau Esteve Birba. Filming took place in Lanzarote and Madrid, concluding on 12 August 2025. Editing duties during post-production were handled by Teresa Font. In early development discussions, Almodóvar described the film as a tragic comedy centered on gender, positioning the project within his ongoing exploration of emotional complexity and human relationships.

Bitter Christmas is scheduled for theatrical release in Spain on March 20, 2026, with subsequent distribution in additional international territories.