Thesis (1996 film)

Thesis is a 1996 Spanish psychological thriller film directed by Alejandro Amenábar. It was Amenábar's directorial debut, and it achieved critical and commercial success in Spain.

The film stars Ana Torrent as Ángela Márquez, a university student in Madrid writing her thesis on audiovisual violence. While researching, she discovers a snuff film featuring the murder of a former student. Intrigued and horrified, Ángela delves deeper into the illicit world of underground films, becoming increasingly entangled with a sinister professor, Chema (FeFe) and her charming but secretive classmate, Bosco (Eduardo Noriega).

As Ángela investigates, she uncovers a network of individuals involved in the production and distribution of these violent films. She finds herself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, constantly fearing for her safety and questioning who she can trust. The film explores themes of voyeurism, exploitation, the desensitization to violence, and the moral implications of viewing graphic content.

Thesis is notable for its suspenseful atmosphere, its exploration of complex ethical dilemmas, and its innovative use of sound and visual techniques to create a sense of unease and dread. The film garnered eight Goya Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. It helped to launch Amenábar's career and is considered a significant work in Spanish cinema.