Sundays (2025) by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa

A teenager’s decision to become a cloistered nun transforms a loving family into a battlefield of beliefs, fears, and deeply buried emotional wounds.

Sundays (Los domingos) follows 17-year-old Ainara, a bright young woman from the Basque Country whose life appears full of possibilities. While her family expects her to pursue education, relationships, and career ambitions, Ainara shocks everyone by announcing her desire to enter a convent and begin the process of becoming a cloistered nun. Her decision triggers a profound emotional crisis within her family, particularly with her aunt Maite, who cannot accept what she sees as a rejection of freedom and opportunity. Directed and written by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, the film explores faith, female agency, vocation, family expectations, identity, grief, and personal choice. Rather than portraying religion as either purely liberating or restrictive, the story examines the difficult tension between spiritual conviction and modern secular values. Through Ainara’s journey, the film asks whether true freedom means choosing the life others expect or having the courage to follow one’s own path.

➡️ Implication: Contemporary dramas increasingly explore faith and spirituality through personal identity rather than institutional religion.

Sundays became one of the most celebrated European films of 2025 because it tackles a subject rarely explored in contemporary cinema: a young woman voluntarily choosing religious life.

In an era where coming-of-age stories often focus on independence through career, romance, or self-discovery, Ainara’s spiritual vocation feels both provocative and unexpected. The film generated discussion because it refuses easy answers, presenting faith as neither blind devotion nor simple oppression. Instead, it explores how personal conviction can collide with family expectations and modern cultural assumptions. Festival audiences and critics praised its emotional intelligence, nuanced writing, and willingness to engage with uncomfortable questions about freedom, belief, and identity. Its combination of spiritual inquiry and family drama helped distinguish it from other European releases.

➡️ Implication: Audiences increasingly respond to films willing to explore spirituality and faith without resorting to stereotypes.

Several factors contributed to the film’s widespread acclaim.

• Unusual premise: A teenage girl choosing monastic life offers a fresh perspective rarely seen in contemporary cinema.

• Faith versus modernity: The film explores the tension between spiritual vocation and secular expectations.

• Female agency: Ainara’s decision challenges assumptions about what empowerment and freedom should look like.

• Family drama: The conflict between Ainara and her aunt Maite provides emotional intensity throughout the story.

• Universal themes: Questions about identity, purpose, and belonging resonate regardless of religious background.

Together, these elements create a drama that feels intellectually provocative and emotionally engaging.

➡️ Implication: Films exploring personal conviction often resonate when they frame belief as a human rather than ideological issue.

The film generated significant discussion among critics, festival audiences, and social-media communities.

Much of the conversation focused on Ainara’s decision and whether her choice represented empowerment or self-limitation. Viewers debated the film’s portrayal of religion, female autonomy, and family intervention. Others praised the movie for creating space for nuanced discussion rather than pushing a simplistic message. The central question—whether a young person should be free to choose a life others consider restrictive—became one of the film’s most discussed themes. This ongoing debate contributed significantly to its visibility and cultural impact.

➡️ Implication: Films that challenge contemporary assumptions often generate stronger audience engagement and discussion.

Critical response was overwhelmingly positive.

Reviewers praised Alauda Ruiz de Azúa for creating a mature and balanced exploration of faith, family, and female autonomy. Critics frequently highlighted the remarkable debut performance of Blanca Soroa, whose portrayal of Ainara communicates conviction, vulnerability, and uncertainty with extraordinary subtlety. The performance of Patricia López Arnaiz as Maite also received widespread acclaim for its emotional intensity and complexity. Many reviewers described the film as one of the strongest Spanish productions of the year, praising its screenplay, thematic depth, and character-driven storytelling.

➡️ Implication: Character-focused dramas continue attracting critical acclaim when they address complex social and philosophical questions.

Sundays earned an extraordinary 37 wins and 36 nominations, establishing itself as one of the year’s most acclaimed European films.

Its most prestigious achievement came at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Seashell for Best Film, alongside the FIPRESCI Prize, SIGNIS Award, and Feroz Zinemaldia Award. At the Goya Awards, the film won Best Director for Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, Best Lead Actress for Patricia López Arnaiz, and Best Supporting Actress for Nagore Aranburu. It also won Best Film and Best Director at the Cinema Writers Circle Awards, while receiving major recognition from the Feroz Awards, Platino Awards, and José María Forqué Awards. These honors firmly established Sundays as one of the defining Spanish films of its generation.

➡️ Implication: Awards bodies increasingly recognize films that combine emotional storytelling with challenging social and philosophical themes.

Following the success of Lullaby, Alauda Ruiz de Azúa confirms herself as one of Spain’s most important contemporary filmmakers. Her direction combines emotional intimacy with thematic ambition, allowing difficult questions about faith and identity to emerge naturally through character interactions.

At the center of the film is newcomer Blanca Soroa as Ainara. Her performance anchors the narrative, conveying both spiritual certainty and adolescent vulnerability. Soroa’s subtle work became one of the year’s biggest breakthrough performances in Spanish cinema.

She is supported by the exceptional Patricia López Arnaiz as Maite, whose emotionally charged portrayal of a woman struggling to accept her niece’s decision earned numerous awards. Additional support comes from Miguel Garcés, Juan Minujín, and Nagore Aranburu, who collectively create a family dynamic filled with tension, love, and contradiction.

➡️ Implication: Strong ensemble performances remain essential for elevating intimate family dramas into major cinematic achievements.

Sundays succeeds because it treats faith, family, and personal conviction with unusual seriousness and respect. Through Ainara’s journey, the film explores what it means to make a life-defining choice when everyone around you believes you are making a mistake. Its emotional power comes from its refusal to simplify complex questions about belief, freedom, and identity. Supported by exceptional performances and masterful direction, the story becomes both a spiritual inquiry and a deeply moving family drama. Its extraordinary awards success reflects the strength of its artistic vision and emotional resonance. Ultimately, Sundays stands as one of the most important European films of 2025 and a remarkable exploration of faith in a secular age.

➡️ Implication: Contemporary cinema can still generate powerful cultural conversations when it approaches faith, identity, and personal freedom with nuance and empathy.

Sundays follows the growing trend of contemporary dramas that explore spirituality, identity, and personal choice through a modern lens.

While many coming-of-age films focus on independence through education, careers, romance, or rebellion, Sundays examines a far less common path: a young woman voluntarily choosing religious devotion. The film belongs to a broader movement of character-driven dramas that challenge assumptions about freedom, autonomy, and self-determination. Similar to films that explore unconventional life choices, Sundays asks whether true empowerment means following societal expectations or embracing a path that feels personally meaningful. By centering faith as a serious and legitimate personal calling, the film distinguishes itself within contemporary European cinema.

➡️ Implication: Modern audiences increasingly engage with stories that challenge conventional definitions of success and personal fulfillment.

Many contemporary stories explore individuals searching for purpose beyond material achievement.

As younger generations navigate questions about identity, belonging, mental wellbeing, and life purpose, films increasingly examine alternative forms of fulfillment. Sundays reflects this trend through Ainara’s desire to pursue a spiritual calling despite social pressure to choose a more conventional future. The film presents vocation as a deeply personal journey rather than a social obligation. This approach creates both emotional tension and philosophical depth.

➡️ Implication: Audiences increasingly connect with stories exploring meaning, purpose, and personal conviction.

Recent filmmakers have become more willing to explore religion with nuance rather than treating it solely as either virtue or oppression.

Rather than focusing on institutional power, many modern dramas examine individual relationships with faith. Sundays reflects this shift by exploring how spiritual conviction can coexist with doubt, independence, and self-awareness. The film’s central conflict emerges not from religion itself but from differing interpretations of freedom and happiness. This nuanced perspective contributes to its critical success.

➡️ Implication: Contemporary cinema increasingly treats spirituality as a complex human experience rather than a simple ideological position.

Across many societies, personal choice has become one of the most important cultural ideals.

Questions surrounding autonomy, self-definition, and life direction influence discussions about education, careers, relationships, identity, and belief systems. Sundays enters this conversation by asking whether society truly supports freedom of choice when someone chooses an unexpected path. The film explores how even progressive environments can struggle to accept decisions that challenge their assumptions. This gives the story broader cultural relevance beyond religion.

➡️ Implication: Films increasingly explore the tension between personal autonomy and social expectations.

Viewers continue gravitating toward family-centered stories that avoid simple moral conclusions.

Rather than presenting heroes and villains, Sundays offers a collection of flawed but understandable characters. Each family member believes they are acting out of love, concern, or conviction. This emotional complexity allows audiences to engage with multiple perspectives simultaneously. The result is a richer and more nuanced viewing experience.

➡️ Implication: Audiences increasingly value dramas that encourage reflection rather than provide easy answers.

The film appeals to a diverse audience despite its highly specific premise.

Arthouse viewers appreciate its thoughtful storytelling and character development. Religious audiences may connect with its respectful exploration of vocation and spiritual commitment. Meanwhile, secular viewers often engage with its broader themes of identity, family conflict, and personal freedom. The universal emotional tensions surrounding love, choice, and belonging help the film transcend its religious subject matter. This broad appeal contributed significantly to its critical and awards success.

➡️ Implication: Films achieve wider resonance when specific cultural experiences are connected to universal human emotions.

The trend reflected in Sundays demonstrates how contemporary cinema is increasingly exploring identity through deeply personal choices rather than traditional coming-of-age milestones. These stories resonate because they ask difficult questions about freedom, autonomy, and the courage required to follow one’s beliefs. By focusing on faith as a form of self-determination rather than submission, the film challenges many contemporary assumptions. Its emotional power comes from its refusal to simplify either side of the debate. The growing popularity of such narratives reflects audience interest in stories that explore meaning alongside identity. Ultimately, Sundays represents a broader movement toward films that examine how personal conviction shapes individual lives in a rapidly changing world.

➡️ Implication: The future of character-driven drama may increasingly focus on unconventional paths to self-discovery and fulfillment.

Sundays succeeds because it refuses to treat faith as either a problem to be solved or a virtue to be celebrated. Instead, the film presents belief as a deeply personal choice capable of creating profound emotional consequences for everyone involved. Director Alauda Ruiz de Azúa crafts a thoughtful and emotionally layered drama that explores the tension between individual conviction and family expectations. By focusing on Ainara’s decision to become a cloistered nun, the film raises larger questions about freedom, identity, love, and personal purpose. Its strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers or clear ideological positions. Ultimately, Sundays becomes a powerful reflection on what it means to choose a life that others cannot understand.

➡️ Implication: The most impactful family dramas often emerge from conflicts where every character believes they are acting out of love.

The film resonates because its central conflict extends far beyond religion.

Many viewers can relate to the experience of choosing a path that disappoints or confuses those closest to them. Whether involving career choices, relationships, beliefs, or lifestyle decisions, the struggle between personal conviction and family expectations is universal. Ainara’s journey reflects the emotional difficulty of remaining true to oneself while maintaining important relationships. This emotional authenticity broadens the film’s appeal.

➡️ Implication: Stories about personal identity continue resonating when they explore universal emotional dilemmas.

At its core, the film examines the meaning of freedom.

Sundays challenges the assumption that personal liberation always follows socially accepted paths. Ainara’s decision forces those around her to confront whether they genuinely support individual choice or only choices they approve of. The film argues that autonomy becomes meaningful precisely when it protects decisions others may disagree with. This idea forms the emotional and philosophical center of the story.

➡️ Implication: Contemporary dramas increasingly explore freedom as the ability to define one’s own purpose rather than conform to external expectations.

The film feels particularly relevant because it addresses a growing cultural conversation.

In many contemporary societies, religious commitment has become less common among younger generations. Ainara’s choice therefore appears unusual and even controversial within her environment. The film uses this tension to explore broader questions about belonging, identity, and societal assumptions. Its relevance comes from its ability to spark reflection regardless of a viewer’s personal beliefs.

➡️ Implication: Films examining faith through modern perspectives continue generating meaningful cultural discussion.

Beyond its family drama, Sundays explores how societies respond to choices that challenge prevailing norms.

The story raises questions about acceptance, respect, and the limits of tolerance. Characters who consider themselves open-minded must confront a decision they fundamentally disagree with. This creates a nuanced discussion about diversity of belief and the complexities of supporting another person’s choices. The film’s social relevance emerges from these tensions.

➡️ Implication: Modern dramas increasingly explore whether societies truly embrace individual autonomy when it challenges cultural expectations.

The film’s emotional credibility rests heavily on the performance of Blanca Soroa.

In her first major screen role, Soroa delivers a subtle and emotionally intelligent performance that conveys both conviction and vulnerability. Much of her work relies on silence, observation, and internal conflict rather than dramatic speeches. Equally impressive is Patricia López Arnaiz, whose portrayal of Maite earned numerous awards and critical acclaim. Together they create a dynamic that drives the film’s emotional intensity.

➡️ Implication: Exceptional performances remain the foundation of successful character-driven dramas.

The extraordinary awards success of Sundays suggests a lasting place within contemporary Spanish cinema.

Its victories at the Goya Awards, San Sebastián International Film Festival, and numerous critics’ awards establish it as one of the defining Spanish films of the decade. Beyond awards, its willingness to engage seriously with faith and personal conviction gives it a distinctive place within modern European cinema. The film may continue to be referenced as an example of how to explore spiritual themes with nuance and sophistication.

➡️ Implication: Films that challenge cultural assumptions often achieve lasting relevance beyond their initial release.

Sundays became one of the most successful Spanish films of 2025–2026 from a critical perspective.

With 37 wins and 36 nominations, the film dominated major Spanish awards while also earning significant international recognition. Its victories include the Golden Seashell for Best Film at San Sebastián, Best Film at the Cinema Writers Circle Awards, and multiple Goya Awards, including Best Director and Best Lead Actress. These achievements reflect widespread admiration for its writing, performances, and thematic ambition. The film’s ability to generate both emotional engagement and intellectual discussion contributed significantly to its success.

➡️ Implication: Audiences and awards bodies continue rewarding films that combine emotional intimacy with complex social and philosophical themes.

Sundays stands as one of the most accomplished European dramas of recent years because it approaches difficult questions with intelligence, empathy, and emotional honesty. Through Ainara’s journey, the film explores faith, family, autonomy, and identity without reducing any perspective to a simple answer. Outstanding performances, particularly from Blanca Soroa and Patricia López Arnaiz, elevate the story into something deeply human and universally relatable. Its extraordinary awards success reflects both its artistic quality and cultural relevance. By treating spiritual conviction as a legitimate and complex form of self-discovery, the film offers a rare perspective in contemporary cinema. Ultimately, Sundays is a powerful reminder that the freedom to choose one’s own life remains one of the most profound challenges of adulthood.

• Movie themes: Faith, spirituality, family conflict, personal identity, autonomy, vocation, belonging, purpose, female empowerment, generational expectations, freedom, and self-discovery. The film follows Ainara as she chooses a cloistered religious life, forcing her family to confront difficult questions about love, acceptance, and personal freedom.

➡️ Implication: Modern dramas increasingly explore identity through deeply personal choices rather than traditional coming-of-age milestones.

• Movie director: Alauda Ruiz de Azúa delivers one of the most acclaimed films of her career. Following the success of Lullaby, she further establishes herself as one of Spain’s leading contemporary directors through sensitive storytelling, emotional precision, and nuanced exploration of complex social themes.

➡️ Implication: Character-driven storytelling continues to define the strongest contemporary European cinema.

• Top casting: Blanca Soroa delivers a breakthrough performance as Ainara, while Patricia López Arnaiz provides the film’s emotional anchor as Maite. Supporting performances from Miguel Garcés, Juan Minujín, and Nagore Aranburu enrich the family’s emotional complexity.

➡️ Implication: Strong ensemble casts remain essential for emotionally layered family dramas.

• Awards and recognition: Sundays earned an exceptional 37 wins and 36 nominations, making it one of the most awarded Spanish films of 2025. Its most important achievement was winning the Golden Seashell for Best Film at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. The film also won multiple Goya Awards, including Best Director for Alauda Ruiz de Azúa and Best Lead Actress for Patricia López Arnaiz. Additional major victories came at the Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Feroz Awards, Fotogramas de Plata, and the José María Forqué Awards.

➡️ Implication: Awards bodies increasingly reward films that combine emotional depth with complex social and philosophical themes.

• Why to watch movie: Recommended for fans of family dramas, European cinema, character-driven storytelling, faith-centered narratives, and emotionally intelligent coming-of-age films. The movie offers a rare exploration of spirituality that remains accessible to both religious and secular audiences.

➡️ Implication: Audiences increasingly appreciate films that provoke reflection without imposing clear ideological conclusions.

• Key success factors: Outstanding performances, nuanced writing, emotional authenticity, philosophical depth, strong family dynamics, universal themes, festival acclaim, and sensitive direction.

➡️ Implication: Intimate human stories continue generating the strongest emotional and critical impact.

• Where to watch: Released in 2025 as a Spanish production and premiered at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it won the festival’s highest honor, the Golden Seashell.

➡️ Implication: Major film festivals remain essential launch platforms for internationally acclaimed arthouse cinema.

Sundays succeeds because it transforms a highly specific story about religious vocation into a universal exploration of identity, freedom, and family love. Through exceptional performances, particularly from Blanca Soroa and Patricia López Arnaiz, the film captures the emotional complexity of choosing a life that others cannot understand. Its refusal to judge or simplify its characters gives the story remarkable depth and authenticity. The film’s extraordinary awards success reflects its artistic achievement and cultural resonance. By examining faith through the lens of personal autonomy and family relationships, it offers one of the most thoughtful cinematic discussions of belief in recent years. Ultimately, Sundays stands as a moving reminder that true freedom often requires the courage to follow one’s own convictions, even when doing so challenges everyone around us.

➡️ Implication: The most enduring dramas are often those that explore universal human questions through intimate and deeply personal stories.