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Movie poster for Dancing on Glass (2022)

Dancing on Glass

2022
2h 17m
16 · Spanish
Director: Jota Linares
Search on Netflix

Overview

When immense pressure threatens a ballerina in a new lead role, she and another dancer escape into a friendship that isolates them from the real world.

Cast

12 people
Photo of María Pedraza as Irene

María Pedraza

Irene

Photo of Paula Losada as Aurora

Paula Losada

Aurora

Photo of Mona Martínez as Norma

Mona Martínez

Norma

Photo of Marta Hazas as Pilar

Marta Hazas

Pilar

Photo of Ana Wagener as Rosa

Ana Wagener

Rosa

Reviews

5 min read

The Fragile Pointe

I’ve always been suspicious of movies about ballet. They tend to treat the art form like a glittering cage—beautiful, yes, but one that demands perfection at the cost of everything else. Dancing on Glass (or Las niñas de cristal, its more evocative original title) doesn’t entirely escape that trap, but it does something rarer: it lingers in the cracks. The film doesn’t just show us the pressure of professional dance; it lets us feel the way that pressure warps relationships, distorts bodies, and turns friendship into something dangerously close to obsession.

The story follows Irene (María Pedraza), a ballerina on the cusp of her big break, and Aurora (Paula Losada), a fellow dancer whose own ambitions are just as fierce but far less certain. When the weight of expectation threatens to crush Irene, the two retreat into a friendship that becomes its own kind of performance—one that isolates them from the world outside the studio. The synopsis promises a thriller, but what unfolds is something quieter, more insidious.

This isn’t a film about sudden violence or shocking twists. It’s about the slow unraveling of two people who mistake intensity for intimacy, and who learn, too late, that glass doesn’t just shatter—it cuts.

A ballet studio at night, its mirrors reflecting the empty space where dancers once stood.

Director Jota Linares has a knack for capturing the claustrophobia of female friendship under pressure. His previous film, ¿A quién te llevarías a una isla desierta?, explored the dynamics of a group of young women navigating isolation, and here he narrows his focus even further. The camera lingers on hands gripping too tightly, on the way Irene and Aurora’s bodies move in sync—first in rehearsal, then in a kind of private choreography that excludes everyone else.

There’s a moment early on where the two of them dance together in an empty studio, the mirrors multiplying their reflections into something hypnotic. It’s beautiful, but there’s something unsettling about it, too. The way they move isn’t just in unison; it’s like they’re trying to merge into one person.

Audience Opinions

Limited evidence
"A tense drama with strong performances but uneven pacing and a divisive narrative approach."

The intense lead performances, particularly the chemistry between the central characters, carry much of the emotional weight. The slow burn and ambiguous storytelling frustrate, though, with complaints about pacing and the lack of a satisfying resolution. The visual style and atmospheric tension are real strengths, but not enough for everyone to forgive the flaws.

What viewers praise
  • Strong lead performances María Pedraza and Paula Losada give compelling, emotionally charged performances that anchor the film.
  • Atmospheric tension Moody visuals and a suspenseful tone make it gripping and immersive.
  • Chemistry between leads The dynamic between the two main characters is electric and holds the film together.
Common complaints
  • Slow pacing The deliberate slow burn tests patience and drags in places.
  • Ambiguous ending The lack of a clear resolution leaves the ending unsatisfying or confusing.
  • Uneven storytelling The narrative feels disjointed at times, making the plot hard to fully engage with.
Recommended for
Fans of psychological dramas Fans of slow-burn tension Admirers of María Pedraza's work Lovers of atmospheric indie films

Full Plot (Spoilers)

Spoiler warning

This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

Behind the Scenes of Dancing on Glass: The Tensions and Triumphs of Jota Linares’ Psychological Thriller

Dancing on Glass (2022), the Spanish psychological thriller directed by Jota Linares, has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and intense performances. But what went on behind the camera? latestnetflix.com's take is that while details about the film’s production remain sparse, snippets from interviews and analyses offer a glimpse into the creative process, the cast’s dynamics, and the director’s vision.

**A Director’s Vision: Linares’ Approach to *Dancing on Glass***

Jota Linares, known for his work on ¿A quién te llevarías a una isla desierta? (2019), brought a distinct directorial style to Dancing on Glass. In a breakdown of the film’s direction, Linares emphasized the importance of visual storytelling, particularly in conveying the psychological unraveling of its characters. The film’s original title, Las niñas de cristal ("Girls of Glass"), hints at its themes of fragility and illusion—elements Linares reportedly wanted to amplify through cinematography and pacing.

The director’s focus on realism is evident in the film’s raw, unfiltered portrayal of its characters’ struggles. While the evidence doesn’t detail specific behind-the-scenes challenges, Linares’ prior work suggests a preference for intimate, character-driven narratives, which likely shaped Dancing on Glass’s tone.

Cast Chemistry: María Pedraza and Paula Losada’s Dynamic

The film stars María Pedraza (Elite, Money Heist) and Paula Losada in leading roles, and their on-screen chemistry has been a talking point. In a playful Netflix España interview, the two actresses engaged in a rapid-fire Q&A, revealing a natural rapport that likely translated to their performances. Pedraza, in particular, has been vocal about her admiration for Linares’ work, calling the project a "challenge" in an interview. While the snippet doesn’t elaborate on what made it challenging, her comments suggest a deep investment in the role.

Marta Hazas and Ana Wagener, who also star in the film, bring gravitas to their characters, but details about their experiences on set remain scarce. The lack of behind-the-scenes footage or cast anecdotes leaves much to speculation—though the film’s tense atmosphere may have mirrored its on-screen drama.

The Ending: A Polarizing Finale

One of the most discussed aspects of Dancing on Glass is its ambiguous ending. A YouTube breakdown dissects the finale, suggesting it leaves room for interpretation—something that may have been intentional on Linares’ part. The film’s original title, Las niñas de cristal, ties into its themes of shattered illusions, and the ending appears to reinforce that idea. However, without official commentary from the director or cast, the true meaning remains open to debate.

What We Don’t Know (Yet)

Despite its critical reception—a modest 5.4/10 on SensCritique —Dancing on Glass hasn’t generated the same level of behind-the-scenes buzz as some of its contemporaries. There are no confirmed reports of on-set conflicts, reshoots, or major production hurdles, leaving fans to focus on the film’s narrative rather than its making.

For now, the most compelling insights come from Linares’ own analysis of his direction and the cast’s interviews. Beyond that, Dancing on Glass remains a tightly controlled vision—one that prioritizes its story over Hollywood-style drama.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.

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