Afternoons of Solitude

AFTERNOONS OF SOLITUDE is a unique and brutal documentary that delves into a bullfighter’s battles with himself and the bull in the ring.

This understated and shocking work spotlights the artistic and savage aspects of bullfighting. Afternoons of Solitude follows the young Peruvian bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey. We witness him before, during, and after his battles in the ring, observing meticulous preparations, nerve-wracking duels, and the mix of relief and fear following countless unpredictable encounters with the bull in the arena.

Roca Rey is a fascinating figure, and his reserved demeanor and intense gaze contribute to an intimate yet mythical feel. The film masterfully conveys the razor-thin margins between life and death for Roca Rey and the bull. The way he lures, seduces, frightens, and captivates his audience with increasingly risky maneuvers in his dance with the bull—before abandoning artistry for brutality—feels unique.

The film’s visual style is observational, focusing primarily on what unfolds in the arena. The bullfighting scenes are brutal and not for everyone. However, for those seeking a deeper understanding and further reflection on this strange and violent tradition, Afternoons of Solitude offers an unparalleled portrayal of the intersection between savagery and art.

Tromsø International Film Festival 2025