The Realm

Political unrest rules in Spain, in film as well as in reality: In this political thriller, one of the dominant political parties are accused of corruption. Manuel Gómez Vidal, known commonly as Manu, is a charismatic and respected politician in his region, with an image as a man of the people. When the good life – with a little extra cash on the side – is at stake, he is willing to risk everything. Manu attempts to clean up the mess which is a political and personal chaos, but ends up as the scapegoat. He then tries to prove that the elite of the party are also involved, to make himself look better. A fateful decision, as it turns out.

The Realm is fast-paced, with quick dialogue and a Manu who never rests. Is it, perhaps, a symbolic pointer to Spanish politicians, that the main character never stops to consider the consequences of his actions?

Set to contemporary Spain, this stylish and alarming film seems utterly credible. From scenes made up of well dressed politicians and the corporate elite in restaurant or office settings, it’s not a far stretch to draw parallels to the HBO show House of Cards, or any American mafia film.