Pedro Almodóvar uses symbolic design in new film ‘Bitter Christmas’

Filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar is preparing the release of his latest work, ‘Bitter Christmas’, an autofictional film about the craft of filmmaking. Scheduled for UK cinemas starting 28 August 2026, the film follows a protagonist named Raúl, inspired by the director himself, as he navigates writer’s block and personal struggles.

Art director Antxón Gómez, who has collaborated on 13 of Almodóvar’s films, notes that the production design serves as a narrative character. The film utilizes a visual language of color, symmetry, and saturation to reflect the characters' emotional states. The protagonist’s environment features specific high-end design elements, including furniture by Gio Ponti, Carlo Scarpa, and Alvar Aalto, as well as lighting by Antoni Arola.