Beyond the Walls (1985): cast, story & where to watch
1985 · Film · ★ 5
Released in 1985, Beyond the Walls is a drama and romance film directed by Miguel Picazo, running about 118 minutes.
What it’s about. This 1985 Spanish film reveals one of the many terrible aspects of 16th century Spain, still plagued by the radical Christian Inquisition, one of a plethora of difficulties Spaniards faced at the time. Spanish super star Carmen Maura plays a nun who agrees to a selfless scam, a fake stigmata, only to avoid separation from her lover, another nun. It's a serious and passionate work, highlighting the theme of outspoken women-against-repression, seen in other good gay and lesbian films. This is not a lesbian "Nun sense" or another "Dark Habits" (by Almodovar, which also starred Carmen Maura, and also set in a Spanish convent, with some lesbian nuns). Perhaps, best of all, 'Extramuros' is realistic and frank. It isn't shy about its characters' sexuality. Their sexuality, and the film as a whole are genuine.
Who’s in it. Beyond the Walls stars Carmen Maura as Sor Ana, Mercedes Sampietro as Sor Ángela, Aurora Bautista as La Priora and Assumpta Serna as La Huéspeda, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, Beyond the Walls has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Beyond the Walls page.
If you liked it. Fans of Beyond the Walls tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Beyond the Walls (1985)?
- In US, Beyond the Walls is available to rent or buy from YouTube. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Beyond the Walls worth watching?
- Beyond the Walls holds an audience score of 5.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Beyond the Walls?
- Beyond the Walls stars Carmen Maura, Mercedes Sampietro, Aurora Bautista, Assumpta Serna and Antonio Ferrandis.
- When was Beyond the Walls released?
- Beyond the Walls was released in 1985, with a runtime of about 118 minutes.