
Defiant Souls 2019
Fernando Pérez's *Defiant Souls (2019)* transports viewers to the sun-drenched streets of Santiago de Cuba in 1819, where the arrival of Enrique Faber—a Swiss doctor and surgeon from Lausanne—unfolds against a backdrop of colonial intrigue and personal desperation.
Director: Fernando Pérez
Cast





Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Defiant Souls (2019)* about?
*Defiant Souls* follows Enrique Faber, a Swiss surgeon arriving in Santiago de Cuba in 1819 to find his kidnapped son, immersing audiences in a world of colonial tension and personal urgency. The film weaves his journey into the broader societal clashes of the time, where defiance against oppression simmers just beneath the surface.
Who directed *Defiant Souls*?
Fernando Pérez directed *Defiant Souls (2019)*, bringing his signature visual storytelling to this gripping historical drama.
Who stars in *Defiant Souls*?
The cast of *Defiant Souls* includes Sylvie Testud, Yeny Soria, Antonio Buíl, Giselle González Alpízar, and Héctor Noas, delivering powerful performances that anchor the film's emotional depth.
Is *Defiant Souls (2019)* worth watching?
*Defiant Souls* offers a compelling blend of historical drama and personal quest, with strong performances and Pérez's evocative direction. While it may not be a mainstream hit, its thematic richness and atmospheric setting make it a rewarding watch for fans of period pieces and character-driven storytelling.
How long is *Defiant Souls*?
*Defiant Souls* has a runtime of 94 minutes.
About Defiant Souls (2019) — A Swiss doctor's odyssey in colonial Cuba
Fernando Pérez's *Defiant Souls (2019)* transports viewers to the sun-drenched streets of Santiago de Cuba in 1819, where the arrival of Enrique Faber—a Swiss doctor and surgeon from Lausanne—unfolds against a backdrop of colonial intrigue and personal desperation. Driven by a quest to reunite with his kidnapped son, Faber navigates a world of rigid social hierarchies and simmering rebellions, where loyalty and defiance intertwine. The film's drama unfolds with rich historical texture, blending intimate personal stakes with the broader tensions of a society on the brink of transformation.
With a cast led by Sylvie Testud and Yeny Soria, *Defiant Souls* captures the spirit of an era defined by both oppression and resilience. Pérez's direction infuses the story with a palpable atmosphere—one where every shadowed alley and sunlit plaza feels charged with unseen possibilities. The film explores themes of identity, freedom, and the lengths to which individuals will go to reclaim what's been lost, all while painting a vivid portrait of a place caught between its colonial past and an uncertain future.