After seeing Boris Karloff's Frankenstein, little Ana (Ana Torrent), roughly six years of age, is told by her not-so-much-older sister (Isabel Telleria) that the monster really exists, lives nearby. Ana doesn't need much convincing, is soon mixing reality with fantasy, "interacting" with the beast. This highly praised film was said by The New York Times to be "One of the two or three most haunting films about children ever made." Don't expect it to be easily understandable, however. Those desiring straightforward plots with some pace better pass; those who enjoy symbolic analysis and who feel a mere facial expression is often enough should enjoy.

Warning (rated NR): adult themes.

1973; aka El Espiritu de la Colmena; in Spanish with English subtitles; 93 minutes; Ana Torrent, Isabel Telleria, Fernando Fernan Gomez, Teresa Gimpera.