The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)
6.5
In mid-90s Mexico City, five young siblings are left in the care of their grandmother after their parents suddenly disappear. As they fight to survive, the line between reality and something darker starts to blur. The grandmother, haunted by eerie visions and deepening fears, becomes more distant, while the children’s grip on reality begins to unravel. After a clash with their neighbors, the siblings withdraw even further into isolation, cutting themselves off from the outside world.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
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Your review
Cast
9 people
Mariapau Bravo Aviña
Elsa
No other roles listed
Rafael Nieto Martínez
Tomás
No other roles listed
Regina Alejandra
Marisol
No other roles listed
Donovan Said Martínez
Victor
Also in
The Janitor
The End of Summer
Laura Uribe Rojas
Vanessa
No other roles listed
Carmen Ramos
Romana
Known for
Cóyotl, Hero and Beast
Harina
Gamboa Bernardo
Emiliano
Also in
Espinas
Micaela Gramajo
Judith
No other roles listed
Quetzali Cortés
Policía 1
Known for
Diablero
La oficina
Ernesto Martínez Bucio Director · Karen Plata Luna Screenplay Emilio Hinojosa Carrión Composer
Budget $800K · United States release April 18, 2025 · Produced in Mexico
Box office
Budget
$800,000
Production
Mandarina Cine
Production
Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía
Production
Fomento al Cine Mexicano (FOCINE)
Production
Eficine
Production
Mexico
Produced in
Languages
Original title
El diablo fuma (y guarda las cabezas de los cerillos quemados en la misma caja)
Original language
Spanish
Spoken on screen
English · Spanish
Release dates
Germany · February 16, 2025
Premiere · Berlin International Film Festival
United States · April 18, 2025
Premiere · San Francisco International Film Festival
Mexico · April 23, 2026
Theatrical
France
March 22, 2025 · Premiere · Cinélatino Film Festival
Hong Kong SAR China
April 17, 2025 · Premiere · Hong Kong International Film Festival
Indonesia
October 24, 2025 · Premiere · Jakarta Film Week
Italy
November 15, 2025 · Premiere · NOAM Faenza Film Festival
Mexico
October 12, 2025 · Premiere · Morelia International Film Festival
Poland
July 17, 2025 · Digital · BNP Paribas New Horizons International Film Festival
July 20, 2025 · Premiere · BNP Paribas New Horizons International Film Festival
South Korea
July 10, 2025 · Premiere · Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival
United Kingdom
October 8, 2025 · Premiere · BFI London Film Festival
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Some details come from TheTVDB.