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Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake

Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake (2026)

Olivia, a 12-year-old middle class girl, is forced to reorganize her basic needs when her family (mother, little brother and herself) is evicted and forced to live in a squatted apartment on the edge of the big city, in a rough neighborhood. Her mother can no longer bear the situation and falls in a depression, so Olivia has to replace her. It means caring for her brother and her own mother, while dealing with the feeling of an emotional earthquake. But she is not alone, Olivia will make friends that will help her to see her own life from other points of view. Because things don’t always happen the way we want, but we can choose the way we live them.

Directed by Irene Iborra Rizo

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Irene Iborra Rizo
Writer
  • Irene Iborra Rizo
  • Julia Prats
  • Maite Carranza

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Irene Iborra Rizo brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2026, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 139 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2026, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Fantastic Mr. Fox, which focuses more on action than character development, Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Hurdy Gurdy and Drei Patienten explore similar territory, Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 21, 2026
  • Runtime: 1h 20m