The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)

Set in Mexico City during the mid-1990s, this film follows five young siblings who are placed under their grandmother's care after their parents vanish unexpectedly. As the children struggle to get by, they experience a blurring of the line between the real world and a darker presence. Their grandmother becomes increasingly detached while suffering from frightening visions, and the children slowly lose their own connection to reality. Following a dispute with their neighbors, the siblings retreat into total isolation.

The movie was directed by Ernesto Martínez Bucio, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Karen Plata Luna. The cast features Mariapau Bravo Aviña, Rafael Nieto Martínez, Regina Alejandra, Donovan Said Martínez, Laura Uribe Rojas, and Carmen Ramos. A production of several Mexican companies, including the Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía and Eficine, the film blends elements of comedy, drama, and mystery. It has a runtime of 97 minutes. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.4/10 based on 127 votes.