Queer Horror Film ‘The Unmoving Hands’ Set in Barcelona’s El Raval
Victor Diago’s upcoming film, The Unmoving Hands, is a queer horror tale that follows Hector as he escorts young men to his 140‑year‑old father, a vampiric figure who feeds on their vitality. Set in the multicultural El Raval neighborhood, the story explores themes of late capitalism, desire, and t…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the latest cohort of the Madrid Film School’s (ECAM) Incubator program, Barcelona‑based filmmaker Victor Diago presents a fresh take on horror that is as much about desire as it is about dread. Titled The Unmoving Hands (Spanish: Las manos quietas), the film is billed as a queer horror story that examines the “unstoppable urge to let oneself be swallowed by that abyss.”
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on Hector, a young man who roams the streets of Barcelona in search of other young men for his father, known simply as the Doctor. The Doctor, a 140‑year‑old vampire, has grown weary of his long existence and now feeds on the vitality of willing youths who come to bask in his power and the illusion of being loved. Hector, driven by a desire to protect his father, becomes an accomplice to this sinister practice. The story takes a turn when Bilal enters Hector’s life; a man with whom Hector falls in love and who becomes the target of the Doctor’s predatory appetite. The film’s script, according to Diago, is a direct allegory of late capitalism, with powerful figures draining the life force of the vulnerable.
Setting and Cultural Context
El Raval, the film’s primary setting, is a neighborhood in Barcelona that has long been known for its political history and cultural diversity. Diago describes it as a space of immigration, marginalization, and coexistence, a place where the city’s most marginalized populations are both consumed and celebrated. This setting is integral to the story, providing a backdrop that reflects the film’s themes of exploitation and survival.
To capture the multicultural essence of El Raval, the film will feature an international cast and dialogue in Catalan, Spanish, French, and Arabic. The director envisions a “Tower of Babel” feel, allowing for a diverse range of voices and a broader appeal to international audiences.
Production Journey
Diago and his team have taken the project through several development stages, including the Crossroads Co‑Production Forum in Thessaloniki, Greece, and the Mediterranean Film Institute script lab last year. The film secured a spot on the Spanish streaming platform Filmin during the ECAM forum, and the team has already received federal and regional funding. They are now seeking additional regional and national television support to bring the project to fruition.
Producer‑executive producer Andrés Mellinas highlights the film’s unique blend of horror and surrealism. He notes that while the film starts with a sense of lightness and happiness, tension builds as the narrative delves into darker themes. The goal is to avoid a simplistic predator‑victim dichotomy and instead explore the gray areas that exist between desire, exploitation, and survival.
Future Plans and Proof of Concept
Mellinas also mentioned that the team is working on a short film set in the same universe as The Unmoving Hands. This short serves as a proof of concept and a potential source of financing for the feature. By showcasing the film’s world and characters in a shorter format, the creators hope to attract co‑producers who can contribute during both development and production stages.
Key facts
- Queer horror film set in El Raval
- Vampiric allegory of late capitalism
- Multilingual dialogue across four languages
- Secured spot on Filmin and funding secured
- Short film proof of concept in development
Why it matters
By weaving queer narratives into the horror genre, The Unmoving Hands challenges traditional genre boundaries and highlights the socio‑economic realities of marginalized communities in urban spaces.
Frequently asked questions
What is the central theme of The Unmoving Hands?
The film examines desire, love, and the exploitation of youth within a vampiric allegory of late capitalism.
Where is the film set?
The story takes place in Barcelona’s El Raval neighborhood.
What languages will the film feature?
The film will include Catalan, Spanish, French, and Arabic dialogue.
Has the film received any funding?
Yes, it has secured federal and regional funds and a spot on Filmin.
Is there a short film related to this project?
Yes, a short film is being produced as a proof of concept and potential financing tool.
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Queer Horror Explored in ECAM Incubator Title ‘The Unmoving Hands’”
