Arrebato (1979) (2021): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Arrebato (1979) is a 2021 drama horror film directed by Iván Zulueta, starring Eusebio Poncela as José Sirgado, Cecilia Roth and Marta Fernández Muro. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes. IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 45m (105 min)
- Director
- Iván Zulueta
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Altered Innocence
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Arrebato (1979) About?
The premise of Arrebato (1979) without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
As a celebrated director struggles to finish his latest film, he grapples with self-doubt and substance abuse, finding himself increasingly disoriented. The reappearance of a former lover and a perplexing package from a past associate further complicate matters, causing reality and fantasy to intertwine. He descends into a surreal world of intense desires and vivid hallucinations, forcing him to examine his artistic methods and the fragile nature of time, space, and personal connections.
Arrebato (1979) Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- hallucination
- drug addict
- arthouse horror
- spanish horror
- concierge
- spanish surrealism
- audio recording
- audio tape
- tape recorder
- audio cassette
- package
- black and white scene
+38 more Show fewer
- reverse footage
- editor
- editing room
- filmmaker as protagonist
- film editor
- film director as protagonist
- watching someone sleep
- reference to luis bunuel
- character's point of view camera shot
- taking a bath with clothes on
- addict
- female topless nudity
- nudity
- male rear nudity
- undressing someone
- stripping
- star appears nude
- male star appears nude
- sleeping nude
- waking up naked
- disembodied voice
- cinephile
- cousin cousin relationship
- visitor
- visit
- photograph
- crying
- watching a movie on tv
- catatonic
- mysterious man
- watching a black and white film
- sped up footage
- cocaine
- mysterious event
- eccentric man
- sensuality
- homoeroticism
- crying male
Arrebato (1979) Cast & Characters
Eusebio Poncela leads the cast as José Sirgado, with Cecilia Roth as Ana Turner and Marta Fernández Muro as Marta. Directed by Iván Zulueta; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Iván Zulueta
-
Eusebio Poncela as José Sirgado -
Cecilia Roth as Ana Turner -
Marta Fernández Muro as Marta - Will More as Pedro
Also Starring in Arrebato (1979)
· 6 more- Luis Ciges Portero
- Carmen Giralt Tía Carmen
- Max Madera Chapero
- Javier Ulacia Dependiente de la tienda de fotos
- Rosa Crespo Vampira
- Helena Fernán-Gómez Gloria
More from Iván Zulueta
More films directed by Iván Zulueta: Ritesti, Párpados, Rapture and Leo es pardo.
Arrebato (1979) Reviews & Ratings
IMDb users rate Arrebato (1979) 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (57).
Arrebato (1979) Echo Score Breakdown
Arrebato is celebrated for its daring formal experimentation and vivid visual language, positioning it as a cornerstone of Spanish counter‑cultural cinema. Critics note its striking cinematography, inventive time‑lapse sequences, and atmospheric sound design, while acknowledging the film’s opaque narrative and uneven pacing. The aggregate assessment reflects a work that excels in artful craft despite divisive storytelling, earning it strong cult reverence.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, Arrebato demonstrates a bold aesthetic. Reviewers highlight Angel Luis Fernández’s cinematic composition, inventive time‑lapse photography, and a meticulously constructed atmospheric palette. The film’s editing reinforces a claustrophobic tension that serves its experimental intent. Overall, the art and craft are regarded as a high point of the work.
- Character & Emotion 65
When examining character and emotion, the performances receive mixed appraisal. Critics commend Eusebio Poncela’s intensity and Cecilia Roth’s compelling dance sequence, noting moments of nuanced acting. Conversely, several reviewers describe the protagonists as underdeveloped and the relationships as inscrutable, diluting emotional resonance. Consequently, character work is seen as competent but uneven.
- Story & Flow 57
Regarding story and flow, Arrebato is praised for its originality and its radical departure from conventional narrative. Reviewers acknowledge a daring premise that intertwines filmmaking obsession with drug addiction. However, many find the plot obscure, pacing sluggish, and the resolution confusing, labeling it inscrutable. The overall verdict places the storytelling in a polarizing zone between inventive and impenetrable.
- Sensory Experience 88
In terms of sensory experience, the film excels. Critics repeatedly cite an atmospheric and eerie soundtrack, unconventional sound design, and striking visual motifs that reinforce the hypnotic mood. The integration of avant‑garde musical cues and vivid color palettes is described as immersive and stylistically bold. This sensory dimension is consistently praised as a central strength.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Evaluating rewatch factor, the film commands a dedicated cult following and is often cited as essential viewing for Spanish cinema enthusiasts. Its unconventional style rewards repeated analysis, revealing new layers of meaning. Yet, its demanding pace and perplexing narrative may deter casual audiences. Overall, the movie offers substantial replay value for engaged viewers.
-
IMDb 6.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Letterboxd 3.7 /5
9 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Arrebato (1979) Plot Summary
What happens in Arrebato (1979) from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
José Sirgado, portrayed by Eusebio Poncela, is a disillusioned director of horror films battling heroin addiction, entrenched in a chaotic relationship with Ana Turner. Out of the blue, he receives a package from Pedro, the cousin of his ex-girlfriend Marta, containing a reel of film, an audio cassette, and the key to his apartment—despite having met Pedro only twice.
Full summary
The whole story of Arrebato (1979), scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Arrebato (1979)?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What addiction is José Sirgado struggling with?
Arrebato (1979) Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “Aavasavyuham” and “Avasvyuham”.
- Also known as
-
- Aavasavyuham
- Avasvyuham
- Avasa Vyooham
- Avasavyuham
- The Arbit Documentation of an Amphibian Hunt
- Aavasa Vyuham
- Avasa Vyuham
Seen Arrebato (1979)?
Movies Like Arrebato (1979)
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Rapture, Arrombada and Death and the Maiden.
Arrebato (1979) FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Arrebato (1979), each answered in a sentence.
How long is Arrebato (1979)?
Arrebato (1979) runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).
When was Arrebato (1979) released?
Arrebato (1979) was released on October 1, 2021.
Who directed Arrebato (1979)?
Arrebato (1979) was directed by Iván Zulueta.
More films by Iván Zulueta Who is in the cast of Arrebato (1979)?
Arrebato (1979) stars Eusebio Poncela as José Sirgado, Cecilia Roth as Ana Turner and Marta Fernández Muro as Marta, among 10 credited actors.
How is Arrebato (1979) rated?
Arrebato (1979) has 6.8/10 on IMDb and 3.7/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Arrebato (1979) have a post-credit scene?
No. Arrebato (1979) has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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