Magellan(2025)
NR
09/10/2025 (US)Drama, History2h 43m8.0
Overview
In the 16th century, Ferdinand Magellan, a young and ambitious Portuguese navigator, rebels against the power of the King of Portugal, who doesn’t support his dream of discovering the world, and persuades the Spanish monarchy to fund his bold expedition to the fabled lands of the East.
Lav Diaz
Screenplay
Lav Diaz
Director
Top Billed Cast
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Media
![Official US Trailer [Subtitled]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/8h7rriQD1qc/hqdefault.jpg)
Official US Trailer [Subtitled]
Trailer
Lav Diaz on Magellan
Featurette
MAGELLAN: A Conversation with Lav Diaz and Gael García Bernal
Featurette
Lav Diaz and Gael García Bernal on Magellan
Featurette
Clip
Clip
Social
C
A review by Call Me Dunham
8.0
Written on December 7, 2025
The real definition of every frame being a painting, it’s truly that beautiful.
Magellan is one of the best historical biopic films I’ve ever seen. Shot entirely with static frames, minimal scoring, calm and quiet vibes, and cinematography that’s beautifully serene and soothing to look at. Lav Diaz also boldly portrays the dark side of colonialism and the deceit of European explorers in the past even though, as far as I know (CMIIW), the film is supported by institutions from Portugal and Spain and he conveys all of that with extraordinary beauty.
This film isn’t just about recounting the past, but serves as a reminder, showing us how European explorers once tortured, colonized, plundered, and pitted Southeast Asian nations against one another. With this film, we are given a silent witness to how cruelty and human greed can destroy norms and morality.
Magellan is one of the best historical biopic films I’ve ever seen. Shot entirely with static frames, minimal scoring, calm and quiet vibes, and cinematography that’s beautifully serene and soothing to look at. Lav Diaz also boldly portrays the dark side of colonialism and the deceit of European explorers in the past even though, as far as I know (CMIIW), the film is supported by institutions from Portugal and Spain and he conveys all of that with extraordinary beauty.
This film isn’t just about recounting the past, but serves as a reminder, showing us how European explorers once tortured, colonized, plundered, and pitted Southeast Asian nations against one another. With this film, we are given a silent witness to how cruelty and human greed can destroy norms and morality.
