Que Dios nos perdone [May God Save Us]

May God Save Us (Que Dios nos perdone) is an intense Spanish thriller released in 2016. The film's originality and depth secure its place as a notable piece of international cinema. Directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen and co-written with Isabel Peña, this film features seasoned actors Antonio de la Torre, Roberto Alamo, and Javier Pereira in lead roles. The movie has been applauded for its stellar performances, intricate storytelling, and cinematic genius.

Set against the backdrop of sweltering Madrid summer in 2011, a time when the city was under the gaze of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit and the austerity protests, the storyline unravels with a series of chilling crimes that remain puzzling. This setting provides a unique atmosphere of tension and uncertainty that is aptly captured by sizzling and panoramic cityscapes, making each frame more immersive and captivating.

Treading a tightrope between character study and crime drama, May God Save Us revolves around two police inspectors, Alfaro (played by Roberto Alamo) and Velarde (played by Antonio de la Torre). They both are flawed and deeply human, grappling with their personal demons while striving to solve an escalating series of disturbing murders. Alfaro and Velarde's personalities clash significantly - the former is hot-tempered and isn't afraid of using force, whereas the latter is depicted as a stammering, introverted person who resorts to less direct methods.

Beneath the police procedural rhythm, lurks an uncanny darkness that the film isn’t shy to explore. It questions the nature of violence, and the thin line dividing the lawkeeper and the lawbreaker. Not just a manhunt for an elusive culprit, the narrative delves into the minds of the two detectives as it paints a stark representation of masculinity, touching upon aspects of insecurity, alienation, anger, and dominance.

An intriguing aspect is Velarde's struggle with his isolation and battling inner turmoil, a foil to Alfaro's aggressiveness and disregard for protocol. As the pair embarks on the unsettling journey of finding the killer, they are also confronting their darkest selves. Sorogoyen spins a tale of empathy and derision, questioning where society's real monsters lie - are they those that commit heinous crimes or those, imbued with authority, who take law into their own hands?

The film’s screenplay is commendable, paying attention to engaging dialogue and building layered characters. The tension is not only crafted by the spree of gruesome crimes, but also by the haunting personal tragedies and moral complexities harbored by its protagonists.

Adding to its brilliance, May God Save Us offers a superb performance from its leading actors. Their character portrayal, performances, and their chemistry are remarkable facets in the narrative’s progression. Antonio de la Torre delivers an intricate performance as a troubled Velarde, effortlessly capturing his character's loneliness and longing. Roberto Alamo, on the other hand, gives a fiery portrayal of the unstable Alfaro. His performance, impressive in its range, rightly fetched him the Goya Award for Best Actor.

The tonality of the film is set by its skillful cinematography, using a muted color palette and exploiting the city's heat-drenched look to reinforce the feeling of oppression and turmoil. The use of background score is sparse, complementing the narrative perfectly and increasing the psychological intensity of the movie.

In conclusion, May God Save Us (Que Dios nos perdone) is a deeply engrossing thriller that goes beyond conventional crime storytelling. With a mix of vivid characters, intense performances, captivating narrative, and nuanced exploration of darker themes such as violence, masculinity and morality, it leaves the audience pondering long after the credits roll. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate the genre and prefer plots tinged with intricate psychological elements.