The Innocents () is a 2025 coming-of-age drama film directed by Germán Tejada. Based on the novel of the same name by Oswaldo Reynoso, which stars Diego Cruchaga Ponce, Fabián Calle, José Miguel Chuman, Grecia Pino, and José Masías. It is a Mexican-Peruvian co-production.
The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Guadalajara International Film Festival on June 8, where it won the Best Genre Film.
Synopsis.
Cara de Ángel is a sensitive teenager in search of his identity, trying to understand what it means to be a man in a world shaped by hostile masculinity. To earn a place in the neighborhood pack and prove his manhood, he joins a robbery; they plan to break into the house of a man they want revenge on. Driven by sexual desire, he explores his connection with Gabriela, a girl from the neighborhood he believes he’s in love with, and Jhonny, the lead singer of a punk band he deeply admires. His impulsive, hormone-fueled choices lead him into betrayal and mark the end of his innocence.
Production.
Principal photography began on March 29, 2022, in Lima, Peru.
Release.
"The Innocents" had its world premiere on June 8, 2025 as part of the official selection at the 40th Guadalajara International Film Festival, where it competed for the Maguey Award.