"Madrid, 1987" is essentially a dissection of the male ego. Miguel spends much of the film trying to seduce Ángela through intellectual gymnastics, justifying his desires with philosophical ramblings. The film critiques the "intellectual predator"—a man who uses his status and wisdom as a weapon to obtain youth.
It is a film about communication: what is said, what is meant, and what is left unsaid. The generation gap is stark; Miguel is obsessed with the past and his own legacy, while Ángela is focused on the future and survival.
When you type the keywords "Madrid 1987 Imdb" into a search engine, you are not simply looking for a film’s runtime or cast list. You are stepping into a rabbit hole of one of the most provocative, claustrophobic, and intellectually charged Spanish films of the 21st century.
For those unfamiliar, Madrid, 1987 (stylized as Madrid, 1987 in Spanish markets) is a 2011 dramatic thriller directed by David Trueba. But to call it a "thriller" in the traditional sense is a misnomer; there are no car chases, no gunfights, and very little scenery. The film is a two-hander—a verbal and psychological duel between an aging, cynical journalist and a young, idealistic student, locked naked inside a bathroom for over 24 hours.
As of the latest data aggregation on IMDb, Madrid 1987 holds a unique position. It is not a blockbuster, nor a crowd-pleaser. It is a film that generates a visceral reaction: you either admire its raw philosophy or walk away uncomfortable. Let’s break down what the IMDb page reveals, why the film matters, and why the search term continues to draw curious cinephiles. Madrid 1987 Imdb
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Quick Hit: Not for the prudish or the impatient. Madrid, 1987 is a daring, claustrophobic Spanish drama that traps two people in a bathroom for nearly 90 minutes and dares you to look away.
If you scroll through the IMDb page for Madrid, 1987 (currently sitting at a respectable 6.8/10), you’ll notice a few recurring keywords in the user reviews: "provocative," "talky," "uncomfortable," and "bathroom."
The film, directed by David Trueba, is essentially a two-character stage play squeezed into the tiled walls of a tiny Spanish lavatory. But don’t let the simple premise fool you. This is a psychological war zone.
On IMDb, David Trueba’s 2011 Spanish drama Madrid, 1987 holds a modest but telling profile. As of its most recent data, the film carries a 6.7/10 rating from several thousand user votes—a score that reflects its polarizing, art-house nature rather than mainstream appeal. The page lists key credits: director David Trueba, stars José Sacristán and María Valverde, and a runtime of 105 minutes. But the numbers only hint at the film’s true character. Film Report: Madrid, 1987 (2011) Themes: Generational Clash
Watch Madrid 1987 if you:
Skip it if you:
Would you like a sample IMDb user review written in the style of a top critic or a regular viewer for this film?
The 2011 film Madrid, 1987 , directed by David Trueba, is a minimalist Spanish drama that centers on an intense intellectual and physical encounter between an aging, cynical journalist and a young journalism student. On IMDb, the film is recognized for its provocative dialogue and claustrophobic setting, as most of the story takes place within a single locked bathroom. Key Highlights Madrid, 1987: A Two-Hander That Strips Its Characters—and
The Story: Miguel (José Sacristán), a respected columnist, meets Ángela (María Valverde) for an interview. Through a series of mishaps, they end up trapped naked in a bathroom for a day, forcing a raw exchange of generational views, desires, and regrets.
Direction and Script: Written and directed by David Trueba, the film is deeply rooted in Trueba's own experiences as a young journalist in Spain during the 1980s.
Performance: The film relies heavily on the chemistry and contrasting energy of the two leads. José Sacristán delivers a powerful performance as a man grappling with his fading relevance in a changing Spain.
IMDb Reception: While it remains a niche arthouse film, it is frequently cited by IMDb users for its "intellectual nudity" and the way it uses a small space to explore large themes like the transition of Spanish society post-Franco.