Sacamantecas (2026)

Sacamantecas, also known as The Harvester, is a Spanish-Belgian historical thriller directed by David Pérez Sañudo and starring Patricia López Arnaiz and Antonio De la Torre. Set in the late 19th century during the final stages of the Third Carlist War in the Basque Country, the film dramatizes the true story of Juan Díaz de Garayo, widely recognized as Spain's first recorded serial killer. The narrative follows Ángela Velastegui, who returns to her hometown after her sister is murdered among a series of women killed by strangulation, leading her investigation toward the notorious figure known locally as Sacamantecas.

The production stands out for its ambitious scale, utilizing over 3,000 extras and filming on location in Álava and Vitoria-Gasteiz to authentically reconstruct the era. By blending historical accuracy with intense action sequences, the movie offers a gritty perspective on the period while highlighting the struggles of women in a patriarchal society through its female-centric viewpoint.

Currently scheduled for theatrical release in Spain on November 6, 2026, distributed by Walt Disney International, the film has garnered attention for its high-profile cast and meticulous historical recreation. It promises to be a significant entry in the genre, combining the suspense of a crime procedural with the weight of historical drama.

• The film is based on real events involving Juan Díaz de Garayo, who was active between 1870 and 1879 and is noted as the first serial killer in Spain to have his brain studied.
• Production involved massive logistical efforts, including the use of more than 3,000 background actors to populate scenes set in 19th-century Vitoria.
• David Pérez Sañudo directs this co-production between Spain and Belgium, marking a major international collaboration for the region's cinema.
• Antonio De la Torre and Patricia López Arnaiz lead an ensemble cast that includes Erik Probanza and Luis Callejo, both prominent figures in contemporary Spanish acting.