An Onion

Dostoevsky’s parable of despair and mercy, brought to the screen.

From great literature to original narratives, Primanova Pictures tells character-driven stories about the inner life and the choices that reveal it.

An Onion

Dostoevsky’s parable of despair and mercy, brought to the screen.

ABOUT AN ONION

A monk losing his faith is brought to a woman who lost hers long ago. What begins as a temptation becomes an unexpected encounter with grace.

Adapted from “An Onion,” a chapter from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.

We chose An Onion as our first film because it beautifully embodies one of the ideas we care deeply about: what Flannery O’Connor called “the action of grace in territory held largely by the devil”.

In a time increasingly marked by cynicism, Dostoevsky’s insistence that no soul is beyond the reach of grace feels especially urgent. An Onion premieres online in October 2026.

Short Film · 15 Minutes

Written, directed, and produced by Javier Alatorre

Presented by Primanova Pictures

OUR STORY

Why we make films

JOIN PRIMANOVA

We’re making new films—from short cinematic adaptations of great literature to larger narrative work. Join Primanova for new releases, first looks, and occasional notes from behind the work.

Antonio Ciseri’s The Martyrdom of the Seven Maccabees, depicting a mother surrounded by her martyred sons.

Antonio Ciseri, The Martyrdom of the Seven Maccabees, 1857–63 · Church of Santa Felicita, Florence

OUR NEXT FILM

Maccabees

A mother’s love, tested to the end.

After six brothers are killed for refusing to betray their faith, the youngest is brought before King Antiochus. Unable to persuade the boy to save himself, the king turns to his grieving mother and asks her to convince him. She does—but not in the way anyone expects.

STAY WITH THE WORK

Stay close to what we’re making

Join Primanova for new films, first looks, and updates from behind the work. If you want to help bring films like Maccabees to the screen, you can also partner with us.

Want to go further? Partner With Us →