A Haunting Debut Film Captures Fear, Ritual, and Childhood Isolation
A striking new film, The Devil Smokes (And Keeps the Burnt Match Heads in the Same Box), has won acclaim at major festivals. Directed by Ernesto Martínez Bucio, it tells the story of five children who barricade themselves inside their home, convinced a nocturnal Devil is lurking outside. The film’s unusual title and dark themes have already drawn attention from critics and audiences alike. The story begins when Judith, a nurse and mother of five, suddenly disappears. Left behind are her children, their struggling father, and their mentally fragile grandmother. The grandmother’s warnings about a Devil that roams at night push the children to extreme measures—they seal themselves inside the house, refusing to leave.
The film unfolds in two distinct parts, each with its own visual style and narrative rhythm. The first half builds tension as the children’s isolation grows, their fears deepening. The second shifts tone, blending their imaginative rituals with a desperate attempt to reclaim control. At its climax, the children throw their most treasured belongings into a fire, a ritual meant to fend off unseen threats and will their parents back. Co-written with poet Karen Plata, the film weaves themes of abandonment, self-imposed exile, and the power of imagination. Its setting in the mid-1990s coincides with Pope John Paul II’s visit to Mexico, adding a layer of historical context to the family’s crisis. Martínez Bucio, a graduate of Mexico City’s CCC and holder of a master’s in Film Creation from the University of the Basque Country, has crafted a debut that stands out. The film recently won Best First Feature in the Berlinale’s 2025 Perspectives section and Best Screenplay at the Morelia Film Festival 2025.
The film’s success marks a bold entry for Martínez Bucio into international cinema. Its exploration of fear, family, and ritual has resonated with festival judges and viewers. With two major awards already secured, The Devil Smokes is set to reach wider audiences in the coming year.
