The Spirit of the Beehive (Spanish: El espíritu e la colmena) (1973) is a quiet, enigmatic drama film featuring a very young child in the leading role. It is the directorial debut of Victor Erice, and is considered a masterpiece of Spanish cinema. Made during the last few years of Francisco Franco's dictatorship, and set in 1940, the film subtly criticizes post-civil war Spain. It is, however, far more memorable for its sympathetic portrayal of a young child's world, and for Ana Torrent's presence.