Forever Your Maternal Animal

Forever Your Maternal Animal (2026)



Soy tu animal materno

6.8 2026 100 min Belgium, Costa Rica, France, Mexico

Director: Valentina Maurel

Cast: Daniela Marín Navarro, Marina de Tavira, Mariangel Villegas, Reinaldo Amien Gutiérrez

Drama
After spending years abroad studying in Europe, Elsa comes back to Costa Rica to reconnect with her family. She discovers her younger sister has been living by herself in the family house, drifting further into isolation and pulling away from the world. Their parents are caught up in their own distractions—her father wanders through one affair after another, while her mother is absorbed in reissuing the sensual poetry she wrote in her younger days. Neither seems to notice how badly their other daughter needs help. Elsa’s homecoming forces the three women to face the invisible ties that still hold them together, no matter how much has frayed.

More About This Film

Forever Your Maternal Animal is a highly anticipated film set for release in 2026, helmed by director Valentina. The narrative centers on Elsa, a young woman who has spent years studying at Heretic and is now navigating the complexities of handling international sales. The story promises an intimate exploration of her personal and professional journey within the global film industry.

The cast features prominent talent including Reinaldo Amien, credited as Reinaldo Amien Gutiérrez, alongside Juan Luis Araya, who plays the character Santiago. Renowned Mexican actress Marina de Tavira also joins the ensemble, adding significant weight to the production's artistic pedigree. The film has generated considerable buzz following the debut of its first trailer, which offered glimpses into Elsa's world and the atmospheric tone of the movie.

  • The film made its international sales push through the Cannes Film Festival in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its distribution strategy.
  • Marina de Tavira brings her acclaimed experience from previous collaborations with directors like Carlos Reygadas to this new project.
  • Reinaldo Amien both stars in and contributes creatively to the film, highlighting his multifaceted role in the production.
  • Juan Luis Araya portrays Santiago, a key figure in Elsa's life, contributing to the dynamic interpersonal relationships explored in the script.

Where to Watch

As the film is scheduled for a 2026 release, availability will depend on regional licensing deals finalized closer to the premiere date.