The Bar
The Bar Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: The Bar
| Movie | The Bar |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Álex de la Iglesia |
| Genre | Horror / Thriller / Comedy |
| Runtime | 102 minutes (1h 42m) |
| Language | ES |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Bar (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Bar are led by Blanca Suárez . The supporting cast, including Mario Casas and Carmen Machi , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Bar does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Bar has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Bar
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, The Bar is a Horror, Thriller, Comedy film directed by Álex de la Iglesia, written by Álex de la Iglesia. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Blanca Suárez as Elena.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. In downtown Madrid, a series of mysterious gunshots trap a motley assortment of people in a decrepit bar. Director Álex de la Iglesia uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone of The Bar, hinting at the terror to come. Álex de la Iglesia establishes the rules of this world before introducing Blanca Suárez as Elena to its dangers.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Blanca Suárez's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing Blanca Suárez to confront the source of horror directly. Álex de la Iglesia's resolution provides adequate resolution.
Ending Explained: The Bar
The Bar Ending Explained: Directed by Álex de la Iglesia, The Bar wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Blanca Suárez. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Bar reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Bar?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Blanca Suárez or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: The Bar
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Bar Budget
The estimated production budget for The Bar is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Bar Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeThe Bar Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about The Bar age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Bar (2017) is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Directed by Álex de la Iglesia, the film runs for 102 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Bar is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bar worth watching?
The Bar is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Bar parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Bar identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Bar (2017)?
The runtime of The Bar (2017) is 102 minutes (approximately 1h 42m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.




