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IMDb 6.0 HD

The Captive

2025 2 h 14 min Adventure · Drama · Thriller El cautivo

A 16th-century soldier is seized at sea and sold into slavery in Algiers, where his only shield is a talent for storytelling. Alejandro Amenábar turns this true ordeal of Miguel de Cervantes into a tense survival drama.

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Where to watch online

Official services. The link goes straight to this film.

Spain 2 services With a subscription 2 services
Netflix With a subscription 4K
Netflix Standard with Ads With a subscription HD

Availability data by JustWatch

About the film

The author of Don Quixote left an incredible story untold. His own.

What it’s about

In 1575, Miguel de Cervantes is captured by corsairs and sold to Hasan Pasha, the ruler of Algiers. His family must raise a ransom, but time is short and his captor is merciless. Cervantes finds an unexpected refuge in telling stories, which may also hide a plan for escape.

What hooks you

Alejandro Amenábar directs Julio Peña as Cervantes and Alessandro Borghi as Hasan Pasha. The film earned a Goya for Best Makeup and Hairstyles, plus nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Borghi), Best New Actor (Peña), Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction, Best Production Supervision, and Best Sound.

Who it’s for

It will appeal to those who enjoy historical dramas grounded in real biography, where a captive's wit and narrative skill become weapons against despair and brutality.

Technical details
Countries
Italy, Spain
Year
2025
Genres
Adventure, Drama, Thriller, History, Biography
Running time
2h 14min
World premiere
Sep 7, 2025
Box office (world)$6,415,507

Ratings

MOVIE․ONE · 251 votes
6.2 /10
IMDb
6.02,300
Kinopoisk
6.4908
Your rating —
— /10
1 · Didn't land 10 · Masterpiece

Creative team

All 9
Director Alejandro Amenábar
Starring
  1. 01 Julio Peña Miguel de Cervantes (credited as: Julio Peña Fernández)
  2. 02 Alessandro Borghi Hasan Pasha
  3. 03 Miguel Rellán Antonio de Sosa
  4. 04 Fernando Tejero Blanco de Paz
  5. 05 Luis Callejo Dorador
  6. 06 José Manuel Poga Diego Castañeda
  7. 07 Roberto Álamo Abderramán
  8. 08 Albert Salazar Beltrán

Awards and nominations

1 win 6 nominations

All
  1. 1 win Goya Awards 2026 · 6 nominations
Top wins
  1. Best Makeup/Hairstyling Goya Awards · 2026

Reviews

0
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