| Reż. Alauda Ruiz de Azúa |
| France, Spain 2025 |
| dramat |
| 1 godz. 55 min. |
| Blanca Soroa, Patricia López, ArnaizMiguel Garcés |
RECOMMENDATION:
DESCRIPTION:
“Sundays” is a Spanish drama directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, which builds a film of significant emotional and social weight from an apparently intimate story. The protagonist is 17-year-old Ainara, an intelligent and sensitive girl who unexpectedly declares her desire to join a cloistered convent. Her decision disrupts the family order and becomes the starting point for a subtle yet increasingly intense confrontation between generations.
The director, with the precision of an observer, focuses on the dynamics of family relationships, avoiding clear judgments and sensational simplifications. “Sundays” is a film about freedom of choice, the limits of autonomy, and the tension between individual calling and the expectations of loved ones — told in a restrained, realistic style, built on acting nuances and a careful dramaturgy of everyday life.
The film had its world premiere in the Main Competition of the San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Golden Shell — one of the most important prizes in the European festival circuit. After its festival success, “Sundays” was released widely in Spain, where it became an unexpected box office hit, attracting over 500,000 viewers and proving that auteur cinema can also function successfully beyond the festival circuit.
GALLERY:
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
What impression did this film leave on you?
Which scene or moment stayed with you the most — and why?
Which values from the list below does the film talk about?
The film places individual choice at the center — a choice that is difficult for others to accept.
How do you assess Ainara’s decision?
Do you see it more as an act of courage, escape, consistency of faith — or a need for autonomy?
Was it easy to clearly take one side in the film?
Who did you feel closer to: the protagonist or her aunt?
The film shows the tension between individual freedom and responsibility towards loved ones.
Where do you think the boundary lies between the right to self-determination and responsibility for others?
Is every personal decision only “ours”?
Have you ever made a decision in your life that others didn’t understand or accept?
How did it affect your relationships?
Family relationships in the film are full of unspoken tensions, emotions, and conflicting expectations.
How does the film portray communication (or lack of it) within the family?
Which conversations — or their absence — were the most moving for you?
Are the characters able to speak openly about their fears and needs?
Are you able to talk about your desires, emotions, etc.?
Who do you talk to — or would you like to talk to — about what you’re going through?
The film also touches on faith and spirituality, but avoids clear judgments.
How do you perceive the presence of religion in the film?
“Everyone believes in something,” Pablo says to Maite — “Ainara believes in God — you believe in global warming.”
What do you think about this statement?
What or who do you believe in?
Contrary to appearances, Ainara is not the only protagonist of the film. An equally important character is her aunt Maite, who also goes through her own process of coming to terms with a decision.
What do you think about her journey?
Maite declares that she is a non-believer but respects others’ faith — is this reflected in her actions? Why do you think so?
Maite repeatedly says that Ainara “must” do certain things — study, travel, experience — what do you think about that?
How do you feel when someone tells you that you “have to” do something?
The film presents different visions of happiness.
What is your vision of happiness?
What recently made you feel happy?
“Sundays” is also a story about growing up and the moment when a young person must take responsibility for their choice.
Was there a moment in your life when you had to make a decision “beyond your readiness,” without being sure you could handle it?
How do you interpret the ending of the film?
What does the final scene — Maite watching Pablo with their son from a distance — mean to you?
What does the choir song add to the interpretation of the film? It also appears in the end credits. (Lyrics below)
I don’t believe in a God who interferes in human affairs.
But I know, my love, that you do.
And if I did believe — I would kneel
and ask Him for one thing:
not to interfere when it comes to you.
That He would not touch even a single hair on your head,
but leave you exactly as you are.
And if He felt He must guide you,
let Him guide you
straight into my arms.
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms.
I don’t believe in the existence of angels either,
yet when I look at you, I begin to doubt.
If I did believe — I would call them all
and ask them to watch over you.
Let each of them light a candle for you,
so your path may be bright and clear.
And that you walk, like Christ, in grace and love
And that they guide you into my arms
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms.
Because I believe in love.
And I know that you believe as well.
I believe there is a path,
that we can walk together — you and I.
So let the candles not go out.
Let her journey be bright and untainted.
Let her always return.
Again and again.
Forever.
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms, O Lord.
Into my arms.
List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Resourcefulness, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Honesty, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Fairness, Moderation, Order, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Fidelity, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life
