Willy Ríos Explores Mid-Life Complexity in New Film 'Solos'
Director Willy Ríos explores the complexities of mid-life emotional maturity in his new film Solos, an adaptation of Paloma Bravo’s novel that highlights the growing creative potential of the Canary Islands' film industry.
Solos, the second feature film from director Willy Ríos, explores the complexities of emotional maturity and human connection. Based on Paloma Bravo’s novel of the same name, the film centers on a dinner party among friends that acts as a catalyst for examining the mid-life crises often faced between the ages of 40 and 50.
The film stars Kira Miró, Salva Reina, Carlos Santos, and Elia Galera. By keeping the action confined to a single home, Ríos uses spatial minimalism to strip away conventional drama. As the director explains, this approach allows the film to focus on the uncomfortable truths of everyday life and the process of personal healing.
For Ríos, who balances his directing career with his role at the Canary Islands International Film Market, this project is another opportunity to adapt literature for the screen—a method he also used for his 2021 debut, Solo una vez. His main challenge here was managing the film’s extensive dialogue while ensuring the visual storytelling remained strong.
Beyond the screen, the release of Solos highlights the growing audiovisual industry in the Canary Islands. While tax incentives have helped build the local sector and train professional crews, Ríos believes the region’s true potential lies in a new generation of creators. He sees the archipelago moving toward a more mature creative phase, where original, locally produced stories will define the industry’s future. Solos serves as both a poignant look at human relationships and a testament to the Canary Islands' ability to produce high-quality, auteur-driven cinema.