You know that feeling when you watch a movie and it just... sits with you? Not in a "that was a great story" way, but in a "I need to go for a long walk and not talk to anyone" way. That is exactly what Michel Franco did back in 2009 with his debut, Daniel y Ana.
It’s a brutal piece of cinema. Honestly, calling it a "thriller" feels like a bit of a stretch because it’s much more of a psychological autopsy. If you haven't seen it, or if you're looking for it on a streaming service right now, you should probably know what you're getting into. It isn't an easy watch. It was never meant to be.
What actually happens in Daniel y Ana?
The setup is deceptively simple, which is why it hurts so much. We meet Daniel and Ana Torres, two siblings living a pretty comfortable, upper-middle-class life in Mexico City. Ana, played by Marimar Vega, is about to get married. She’s busy with dress fittings and the typical pre-wedding chaos. Daniel, played by Darío Yazbek Bernal (who you might recognize from The House of Flowers), is a teenager just trying to figure out who he is.
Then, everything breaks.
They get kidnapped. In broad daylight. But this isn't a ransom movie. Their captors don't want money—at least not from the parents. They force the siblings to perform sexual acts on each other while being filmed for an underground pornography ring.
It’s a horrific premise. Most directors would lean into the shock value or the "action" of the kidnapping. Franco doesn't. He keeps the camera steady. He makes you sit in the silence. The actual event is relatively short in terms of screentime, but the aftermath? That's the entire movie.
The "True Story" controversy
One of the biggest talking points about Daniel y Ana pelicula is the claim that it's based on real events. When it premiered at Cannes, this was a huge part of the buzz. Franco has stated in various interviews that the story came from a real case he heard about in Mexico.
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Does that make it a documentary? No. But it adds a layer of grime to the viewing experience. You're watching these two characters try to return to "normal" life—Ana tries to go through with her wedding, Daniel tries to go back to school—while carrying this secret that literally no one else knows.
There's a specific kind of isolation that comes from shared trauma that can't be spoken aloud. The film captures that perfectly. They are in the same house, eating at the same table with their parents, and yet they are on completely different planets.
Why the ending still sparks arguments
Without spoiling the very last frame, the ending of Daniel y Ana is... divisive. Some critics at the time, like those from the Village Voice, felt it tipped over into "lurid" territory. They thought the final act betrayed the quiet, restrained tone of the first hour.
I disagree.
The ending works because it shows that trauma isn't a straight line. It doesn't always lead to healing. Sometimes it leads to a total collapse of morality or identity. Daniel’s character arc, in particular, goes to some very dark places that make the audience deeply uncomfortable. It’s meant to. If you leave this movie feeling "fine," the director failed.
The Cast and Crew
- Director: Michel Franco (his first feature before After Lucia and New Order).
- Daniel: Darío Yazbek Bernal.
- Ana: Marimar Vega.
- Rafa (The Fiancé): José María Torre.
- Runtime: 90 minutes.
Why people are still searching for it in 2026
It’s been over fifteen years since this movie hit the festival circuit. So why does it still pop up in searches?
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Part of it is the "shock" factor. We live in an era of "disturbing movie" lists on TikTok and Reddit. Daniel y Ana often gets lumped in with films like A Serbian Film or The Girl Next Door. But that’s a bit unfair. Those movies often feel like they're trying to out-gross the viewer.
Daniel y Ana is different because it feels possible. Kidnapping and coerced pornography are real issues in many parts of the world, including Mexico. The film treats the subject with a clinical, almost cold detachment that makes it feel like a police report come to life.
Also, Michel Franco has become a massive name in world cinema. If you've seen his later work like New Order (Nuevo Orden), you can see the seeds of his style here. He loves to explore how quickly a "civilized" life can be stripped away.
Is it worth watching?
Honestly? It depends on your headspace.
If you want to understand the roots of modern Mexican cinema or you're a fan of psychological dramas that don't pull punches, then yes. It’s a masterclass in tension. The performances by Vega and Yazbek Bernal are incredible, especially considering how young they were at the time.
But if you're looking for a "fun" thriller or something to watch while you eat dinner? Hard pass.
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How to find and watch Daniel y Ana
Finding this movie can be a bit of a hunt depending on where you live. Because it’s an older indie film, it bounces around different streaming platforms.
- Check MUBI or Criterion Channel: These are the most likely spots for Franco’s early work.
- Rental Services: It’s usually available for a few bucks on Apple TV or Amazon, but keep in mind it might be listed under its Spanish title or simply Daniel & Ana.
- Physical Media: There are DVD releases out there, often through Strand Releasing, if you’re a collector.
If you do decide to watch it, pay attention to the sound design. Or rather, the lack of it. There’s almost no music. Just the ambient noise of the city and the heavy breathing of characters who don't know how to talk to each other anymore. It’s haunting.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- Prepare for the tone: It’s a "slow burn" that rewards patience but offers no comfort.
- Focus on the subtext: Much of the story is told through what the characters don't say.
- Context matters: Remember this was Franco's first big swing; it’s raw and unpolished in a way that feels intentional.
The film serves as a reminder that the most terrifying things aren't monsters under the bed, but the secrets we keep from the people we love. It’s a tough, 90-minute journey into the dark side of human experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Next Steps for Film Fans
If you have already seen Daniel y Ana and want to see how Michel Franco’s style evolved, look for his 2012 film After Lucia (Después de Lucía). It handles the topic of bullying with the same uncompromising lens. Alternatively, for a deeper look into the cast, check out Marimar Vega's work in more recent Mexican television dramas to see her range beyond this early, intense role.