David Trueba, the acclaimed filmmaker, is back on the big screen with his latest project, Siempre es Invierno, the film adaptation of his own novel, Blitz. Starring David Verdaguer, Isabelle Renauld, and Amaia Salamanca, the motion picture promises to be an irresistible romantic tragicomedy exploring the evanescent nature of relationships and the potential for rebirth following heartbreak.
The story centers on Miguel (played by Verdaguer), a landscaper who travels to Belgium with his girlfriend Marta (Salamanca) for a congress. What begins as a routine work trip quickly spirals as the couple's relationship begins to fracture. After the relationship crumbles, Miguel decides to linger in Liège, where he encounters Olga (Renauld), an enigmatic volunteer at the event. Through these encounters, Miguel embarks on a path of self-discovery and rebuilding his life.
Taking on the adaptation has been no small feat for Trueba, who has historically steered clear of adapting his own novels for film. “I've never wanted to take my novels to the screen—they feel complete and explained as they are. But the case of Blitz was different; it deals with something immensely graphic and visual, namely the perceptible passage of time on people. This aspect enriches what can be done on film, making the adaptation's challenge more stimulating,” noted Trueba.
The film features several notable actors, including Jon Arias, Vito Sanz, and Naiara Carmona, and was filmed across various locations including Liège, Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, and Calanda.
Siempre es Invierno is produced by Ikiru Films, Atresmedia Cine, Blitz la Película AIE, La Terraza Films, and Wrong Men, with distribution handled by Bteam Pictures. This international collaboration also includes backing from Netflix and Atresmedia, as well as funding from the ICAA with support from the ICEC.
Jaime Ortiz de Artiñano, producer at Atresmedia Cine, emphasized the project's intimate and personal nature, highlighting its rich layers and unique perspective on human relationships. “After the wonderful experience of collaborating with David Trueba on Saben Aquell, it was clear to us at Atresmedia we wanted to continue producing his films. David shared with us the essence of Blitz, which is one of his most intimate and personal novels. The story is original and nuanced, portraying how love can unexpectedly resurface,” Ortiz stated.
For his part, Edmon Roch also praised the film, expressing, “Combining seriousness with humor, Siempre es Invierno is a touching romantic tragicomedy. It observes us and enhances our reality. Its effect resembles the comfort of a healing embrace.”
The production aims not just to entertain but also to resonate with its audience through complex characters and relatable emotional journeys. Trueba has always been recognized for his humanistic storytelling, artfully portraying people with sensitivity and insight.
Atresmedia Cine has solidified its position as a leader within Spain's film industry. Their productions have attracted over 40 million euros at the box office and reached six million viewers through successful projects like Padre no hay más que uno 4, La infiltrada, and Buffalo Kids. Even as 2025 approaches, Atresmedia continues its commitment to quality cinema, with recent releases such as Mikaela by Daniel Calparsoro and other forthcoming titles.
Siempre es Invierno stands as both Trueba's next cinematic venture and a reflection of artistic storytelling, poised to explore deep themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery against the backdrop of visually compelling locations.