Gael García Bernal Takes on a New Role in Netflix’s ‘In The Valley Of Shadows,’ Inspired by H.G. Wells’ ‘The Country Of The Blind’

Filming Concludes for In the Valley of Shadows, Netflix Film Starring Gael García Bernal and Natalia Reyes

In the Valley of Shadows, a new Netflix film featuring Gael García Bernal and Natalia Reyes, has completed its filming in Colombia. Based on H.G. Wells’ 1904 short story The Country of the Blind, the movie will have a local theatrical release prior to its global debut on the streaming platform.

Directed by Sebastián Cordero, who co-wrote the screenplay with María Camila Arias, the film features a talented cast that includes Claudio Cataño, Diego Vásquez, and Margarita Rosa de Francisco. Produced by Dynamo, In the Valley of Shadows is part of Netflix’s growing catalog of original content from Latin America.

The story follows Álvar Toledano, portrayed by García Bernal, a mountaineer who falls into an isolated valley inhabited by a community that has been blind for generations. Initially convinced of his superiority due to his sight, Toledano soon learns that seeing is viewed as a disturbance in this unique society. As he navigates this new world, he falls in love with Medina, played by Reyes. The narrative challenges him to choose between embracing his identity or finding acceptance among the valley’s inhabitants.

Filming locations in Colombia included picturesque settings in Boyacá and Cundinamarca, such as Santa Sofía, Suesca, the Tatacoita desert, and Choachí. The film benefits from the executive production of Mirlanda Torres.

Netflix’s commitment to Colombian production is evident, as the company reported last year that filming One Hundred Years of Solitude generated approximately $52 million for the local economy. In addition, Netflix has pledged $1 billion towards Mexican film and television productions and recently opened a new office in São Paulo, Brazil.

With the conclusion of filming, first-look images from In the Valley of Shadows have also been released, offering a glimpse into the film’s visual storytelling.