It's on Netflix and is one of Eusebio Poncela's most iconic films: an Almodóvar film starring Carmen Maura and Banderas.

Eusebio Poncela, a key figure in Spanish cinema during the Transition, has died at the age of 79, leaving behind an extensive career in film, theater, and television. His passing marks the end of an era in which his talent was recognized by both audiences and critics, establishing him as one of the most versatile actors of his generation .

Her big-screen legacy includes one of Pedro Almodóvar's most significant films, released in 1987: Law of Desire . In that film, Poncela co-starred with Carmen Maura and a young Antonio Banderas , in a story marked by the excesses, passions, and conflicts that defined a pivotal moment in Spanish cinema.

The film, the first production by the El Deseo company, marked a turning point in both Almodóvar's career and that of his cast. Poncela's character offered a complex portrait of a gay filmmaker caught between jealousy, desire, and the need for freedom , in a narrative that broke taboos in 1980s Spain.

An essential title in the filmography

Beyond its plot, The Law of Desire became a symbol of the cultural openness of the era. Its portrayal of homosexuality and transsexuality, embodied in the character of Tina (Carmen Maura), paved the way for new ways of addressing diversity in Spanish cinema, with provocative language that deviated from traditional canons.

Today, almost four decades later, The Law of Desire remains an essential reference. Its influence on the visibility of the LGBTI community and the evolution of art-house cinema in Spain continues, showcasing Poncela's ability to bring intense characters to life.

This classic is currently available with a Netflix subscription, and also with Movistar Plus+ , including the basic streaming subscription for non-Netflix customers. This way, the work that shaped an entire generation remains accessible to new viewers and those who wish to revisit it.