Review: My Dearest Señorita - Málaga 2026

Key Takeaways

• Netflix backs intersex‑focused remake of 1972 classic
• New lead Elisabeth Martínez is an intersex performer
• Film premieres at Malaga Festival, releases April 17 in Spain
• Directed by Fernando González Molina, screenplay by Alana S. Portero
• Highlights LGBTQI+ representation, especially intersexuality, in mainstream cinema

Summary

Netflix’s new feature *My Dearest Señorita* reimagines Jaime de Armiñán’s 1972 Oscar‑nominated film with a modern, intersex‑focused narrative. Directed by Fernando González Molina and scripted by trans writer Alana S. Portero, the remake stars intersex actress Elisabeth Martínez alongside veterans Paco León, Anna Castillo and Nagore Aranburu. The film debuted in competition at the 29th Malaga Film Festival and will hit Spanish theaters on 17 April before streaming globally on Netflix on 1 May. Backed by the creative duo Los Javis, it blends youthful energy with a celebration of LGBTQI+ self‑love.

Pulse Analysis

The original *My Dearest Señorita* earned an Oscar nomination in 1972, cementing its place in Spanish cinema history as a daring exploration of gender and identity. Revisiting the story a half‑century later allows filmmakers to address contemporary conversations around intersexuality, a topic that remained largely invisible in mainstream media. By anchoring the narrative in present‑day Pamplona and Madrid, the remake bridges generational gaps, inviting younger audiences to engage with a classic through a lens that reflects today’s social realities.

The creative team behind the new version combines commercial clout with activist credibility. Los Javis—Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo—bring a track record of LGBTQI+‑centric successes, while director Fernando González Molina adds experience in both cinema and television. Crucially, the screenplay is penned by trans writer Alana S. Portero, ensuring an insider perspective on intersex experiences. Casting Elisabeth Martínez, an intersex performer, as the protagonist marks a historic first for a major Spanish production, signaling a shift toward authentic representation that goes beyond tokenism.

From a market standpoint, Netflix’s involvement guarantees worldwide exposure, positioning the film as a touchstone for inclusive storytelling on a streaming scale. Its festival debut at Malaga generated buzz among critics and industry insiders, suggesting strong festival‑to‑platform pipelines for socially relevant content. As audiences increasingly seek diverse narratives, *My Dearest Señorita* demonstrates how legacy properties can be revitalized to meet modern expectations, potentially influencing future green‑lights for projects that foreground under‑represented identities.