Criminal: Spain

Criminal: Spain is a captivating drama from 2019 that takes the audience into the heart of the Spanish criminal justice system, exclusively available on the streaming giant, Netflix. The show is a part of an intriguing quartet of series, each set in a different country (United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain), featuring the respective languages, crime sensibilities, and interrogation techniques of each region. Criminal: Spain, as the name suggests, explores the complexities of criminal investigations within the beautiful and vibrant country of Spain, bringing a unique flavor to this international crime anthology.

With an innovative concept at its core, Criminal: Spain primarily takes place within the confines of an interrogation room. The entire drama unfolds in this high-pressure setting, amid the tense interaction between the police officers and the suspects they apprehend. The room also feeds into other, adjacent rooms, where ancillary staff observe and carry out supportive tasks related to the interrogation process. Beyond this, the audience only gets slight glimpses outside of these rooms, and they are sparingly used throughout the series.

This unique concept of being rooted in one location compels the show to rely heavily on dialogue, expression, and atmospheric tension, in lieu of traditional, fast-paced, action-filled crime dramas. It is the interactions, facial expressions, and the non-verbal cues that move the plot forward, enriching the drama with unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience hooked. That's why the cast and their performances are paramount, and the show's ensemble lives up to the challenge, delivering a masterclass in acting.

The 2019 series features a brilliant Spanish cast that includes Emma Suarez, Carmen Machi, and Álvaro Cervantes among others, both on the side of the law and the suspects they interrogate. Their strong performances resonate deeply, with the actors harnessing the power of their voice, body language, and expressions to invoke various powerful emotions.

Each episode comes with a new story involving different suspects brought into the interrogation room. This eclectic mix of cases forms the backbone of the plot, which ranges from fraud and sex crimes to cold-blooded murder, all unified by their location, the intensity of the interrogations, and the riveting unfolding of truth. The stories plunge the audience into morally complex and ethically challenging situations, making us question what we know about guilt, innocence, and the nature of truth itself.

Apart from the suspenseful interrogations, what adds more layers to the series is the dynamic between the police officers. Their interpersonal relationships, conflicts, and camaraderie don't just serve as a side plot but also influence the execution of the interrogation. They constantly wrestle with personal dilemmas and professional ethics, adding an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.

Delicately balancing the claustrophobic room dynamics with narrative depth, Criminal: Spain also takes care in building its ambiance meticulously. The production design is consistent and contextual, aiding to intensify the overall mood of the show. The audience gets an intimate view of the stark, cold, and technically advanced interrogation room, which in itself feels like a character. The production leaves no detail missing, down to the overhead surveillance cameras and the eerie two-way mirror.

Criminal: Spain is marked by its intelligence, subtlety, and suspense. It is innovative and unique in its approach. While crime, mystery, and police drama fans would undoubtedly relish its intense interrogatory showdowns, it additionally provides a rich viewing experience for anyone looking for a well-crafted psychological drama.

This show is not just an entertaining watch; it’s a test of perception, a game of cat-and-mouse, where the criminals and the investigators are locked in an intense tussle of wits, veering the audience into thinking- who truly has the upper hand? This masterful exploration of human psychology, their hidden fears and unspoken secrets, set in the small confines of an interrogation room, is what makes Criminal: Spain a must-watch that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.