The Captive (2025)
Alejandro Amenábar's sweeping historical drama uncovers the untold captivity of a young Miguel de Cervantes — the ordeal that forged literature's greatest imagination.
The Captive - Movie Information
- Original Title: El cautivo
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Alejandro Amenábar
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- Original Language: Spanish
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 12, 2025 (AD), October 1, 2025 (France), September 12, 2025 (Spain - 16)
- Production Companies: Himenóptero, Misent Producciones, Propaganda Italia, Mod Producciones
- Production Countries: Italy, Spain
The Captive - Plot
In 1575, the young soldier Miguel de Cervantes is captured on the high seas by Barbary pirates and taken to Algiers as a hostage. Aware that a cruel death awaits him if his family does not pay his ransom soon, he finds refuge in his passion for storytelling.
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The Captive - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alejandro Amenábar
Main Cast
- Julio Peña
- Alessandro Borghi
- Miguel Rellán
- Fernando Tejero
- Luis Callejo
- José Manuel Poga
- Roberto Álamo
- Albert Salazar
- Juanma Muniagurria
- César Saratxu
Writers
- Alejandro Amenábar
Producers
- Fernando Bovaira
- Alejandro Amenábar
- Simón de Santiago
- Urko Errazquin
- Marina Alessandra Marzotto
The Captive - FAQs
Is The Captive based on a true story?
Yes. The Captive is rooted in historical fact. Miguel de Cervantes, the future author of Don Quixote, was genuinely captured by Barbary pirates in 1575 and held captive in Algiers for five years before being ransomed. Amenábar dramatizes this largely overlooked chapter of the literary giant's life.
Where can I watch The Captive (2025)?
Streaming and theatrical availability for The Captive is still being confirmed across platforms. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options, including streaming services, digital rental, and cinema listings available in your region, via JustWatch.
Who plays Miguel de Cervantes in The Captive?
Spanish actor Julio Peña portrays the young Miguel de Cervantes. Alessandro Borghi plays the formidable Algerian ruler Hasán Bajá, while Miguel Rellán, Fernando Tejero, Luis Callejo, Roberto Álamo, and César Saratxu round out the principal ensemble cast.
What is The Captive (2025) about?
The Captive follows young soldier Miguel de Cervantes, seized by Barbary pirates in 1575 and imprisoned in Algiers. Facing death if his ransom goes unpaid, he turns to the power of storytelling for survival — a formative ordeal that would ultimately shape the imagination behind Don Quixote.
Who directed The Captive (2025)?
The Captive was written and directed by Alejandro Amenábar, the acclaimed Chilean-Spanish filmmaker known for The Others (2001), The Sea Inside (2004), and Agora (2009). He also composed the film's original score, continuing his long-standing practice of scoring his own productions.
How long is The Captive (2025)?
The Captive has a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes). The film was produced in Spain and Italy, with a Spanish-language production backed by Himenóptero, Misent Producciones, Propaganda Italia, and Mod Producciones.
When was The Captive released?
The Captive had its Andorran and Spanish theatrical release on September 12, 2025, with a French release following on October 1, 2025. The Spanish release carries a 16+ age classification.
What language is The Captive (2025) in?
The Captive is primarily a Spanish-language film, with Arabic also spoken throughout, reflecting the bilingual reality of its 16th-century Algerian setting. The original title is El cautivo, and the production is a co-venture between Spain and Italy.
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