🪶 Story & Synopsis
“Criminal: Spain” is a gripping Spanish-language police procedural anthology series that delves into the intense dynamics between detectives and suspects in a high-pressure interrogation room. Created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, the show offers a compelling narrative where psychological games unfold, often leading to moral dilemmas.
The series, set in Spain, features a stellar cast including Emma Suárez, Carmen Machi, and Álvaro Cervantes, who deliver powerful performances in their respective roles. As the detectives navigate through a series of separate cases, each episode presents a new suspect facing interrogation, adding layers of complexity to the storytelling.
In the first season of “Criminal: Spain,” viewers are drawn into the interrogation of Isabel, a character who brings a mix of intrigue, emotion, and mystery to the screen. As Chief Inspector María leads the questioning, Isabel’s revelations about love, sex, and personal relationships take unexpected turns, challenging the team to unravel the truth behind a murder case.
Throughout the three episodes of the season, tensions rise as the detectives push Isabel to divulge crucial information about her past, including her brother and a potential connection to a missing person. The narrative unfolds with suspense and uncertainty, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as the investigation takes unexpected twists and turns.
Despite the accolades garnered by “Criminal: Spain,” including a nomination, some critics have pointed out that the Spanish version may lack the subtlety found in its UK counterpart. While the series offers a unique take on police procedural dramas, comparisons to other iterations like “Criminal: UK” reveal differences in acting nuances and storytelling approaches.
As viewers immerse themselves in the world of “Criminal: Spain,” they are presented with a fictional narrative that draws inspiration from the complexities of human behavior and the intricacies of criminal investigations. The series weaves together themes of deception, loyalty, and justice, inviting audiences to reflect on the blurred lines between right and wrong in the pursuit of truth.
With a runtime of 39-41 minutes per episode, “Criminal: Spain” captivates audiences with its intense interrogations, compelling performances, and thought-provoking storytelling. As the detectives navigate the moral challenges of their profession, the series offers a glimpse into the darker aspects of human nature, where every revelation comes at a cost.
For fans of crime dramas and psychological thrillers, “Criminal: Spain” presents a riveting exploration of the complexities of guilt, innocence, and the pursuit of justice in a high-stakes interrogation room. With its unique storytelling format and talented cast, the series delivers a captivating viewing experience that leaves audiences craving for more.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Emma Suárez, Jorge Bosch, Álvaro Cervantes, Carmen Machi, Inma Cuesta, Eduard Fernández, María Morales, José Ángel Egido, Daniel Chamorro, Javi Coll, Carlos Manuel Díaz, Nuria Mencía, Milo Taboada
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Isabel Ferradas Pérez | Carmen Machi |
| Carmen | Inma Cuesta |
| Carmelo Al Huzaini | Eduard Fernández |
| Commissioner (Comisario) Joaquin Manero Alted | José Ángel Egido |
| Chief Inspector (Inspectora Jefe) María de los Ángeles Toranzo Puig | Emma Suárez |
| Inspector (Inspector) Carlos Cerdeño Varona | Jorge Bosch [es] |
| Inspector (Inspectora) Luisa | María Morales |
| Sub Inspector (Subinspector) Raimundo Messeguer Ortiz | Álvaro Cervantes |
| Officer (Oficial de Policía) Jorge | Daniel Chamorro |
| Officer (Oficial de Policía) Leo | Milo Taboada |
| Clara | Nuria Mencía |
| Carmen’s lawyer | Javi Coll |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Ever felt like you’re trapped in an interrogation room, and the only way out is by confessing your deep love for Netflix crime series? Well, welcome to the world of Criminal: Spain, where the suspects aren’t the only ones feeling the heat!
Let’s address the elephant in the room – Criminal: Spain may not have the finesse of its UK counterpart. The Spanish rendition lacks that subtle touch that makes you raise an eyebrow and go, “Ah, clever!” However, don’t let that deter you from diving into this intense police procedural drama.
- Plot and Themes: Set within the walls of an interrogation room at Netflix’s production hub in Madrid, Criminal: Spain follows London investigators as they grill suspects accused of heinous crimes. The series delves into psychological games between detectives and suspects, revealing a dark underbelly of lies, manipulation, and ethical dilemmas. Each episode unfolds like a riveting puzzle, pushing the boundaries of morality.
- Acting and Characters: While some may argue that the acting in Criminal: Spain doesn’t quite match up to its UK counterpart, it still packs a punch. The ensemble cast delivers convincing performances, with each character adding layers to the intense drama unfolding within the confines of the interrogation room.
- Direction and Cinematography: The direction in Criminal: Spain is taut and gripping, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The use of close-up shots intensifies the tension during interrogations, while skillful cinematography captures every nuanced expression on the faces of both detectives and suspects.
- Production Design and Special Effects: The production design in Criminal: Spain creates a claustrophobic atmosphere within the interrogation room, adding to the sense of confinement and pressure faced by both investigators and suspects. While special effects take a back seat in this dialogue-driven series, they are used sparingly but effectively to enhance key moments.
- Editing and Pace: The editing in Criminal: Spain is sharp and seamless, transitioning between different narratives within each episode with precision. The pace keeps you engaged without dragging, ensuring that each interrogation reveals just enough to keep you guessing till the very end.
Binge-watching Tips: To fully appreciate Criminal: Spain’s intricacies, pay close attention to subtle clues during interrogations. Try putting yourself in both the detective’s and suspect’s shoes to unravel the complex dynamics at play.
If you’re a fan of crime thrillers that challenge your perception of right and wrong while keeping you guessing until the final reveal, then Criminal: Spain is definitely worth adding to your watchlist!
To wrap it all up neatly like a well-constructed alibi – Criminal: Spain may not be flawless but it certainly knows how to keep you hooked with its intense interrogations and morally grey characters.
Ratings: 8/10
Remember folks – when life gives you crime dramas like Criminal: Spain on Netflix, just sit back with some popcorn (and maybe a detective hat) and enjoy!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Interesting setup with separate cases | Lacks subtlety compared to UK version |
| David Tennant, Nicholas Pinnock, Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby star | Acting not as good as Criminal: UK |
| Filmed at Netflix’s production hub in Madrid | Some reviews mention a lack of tactical depth in the plot |
| Psychological games between detectives and suspects | Episodes may have a predictable resolution |
| Good production values | Main premise may be considered defective by some viewers |
Feedback
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Criminal: Spain (TV Mini Series 2019) - IMDb
SPONSORED
Criminal: Spain
- TV Mini Series
- 2019
- 40m
Psychological games abound between detectives and suspects in a tense interrogation room, where the search for answers sometimes comes at a moral cost.Psychological games abound between detectives and suspects in a tense interrogation room, where the search for answers sometimes comes at a moral cost.Psychological games abound between detectives and suspects in a tense interrogation room, where the search for answers sometimes comes at a moral cost.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
Browse episodesSPONSOREDSPONSORED
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Criminal: Spain - Wikipedia
Criminal: Spainis a 2019 Spanish-language police procedural anthology series created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith and starring Emma Suárez, Carmen Machi and Álvaro Cervantes.Criminal: Spainis part of Netflix’sCriminal, an anthology series consisting of twelve episodes with three episodes each set across four countries filmed in local languages – France, Spain, Germany and the UK.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the Netflix series “Criminal: Spain”, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through the interrogation rooms where the cops play a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with suspects involved in gruesome crimes. The Spanish edition of ‘Criminal’ presents three intense stories, each focusing on a different suspect with unique backgrounds and motives for their actions.
The first episode features Isabel, a middle-aged woman whose loyalty lies with her Dalmatian. She is being pressured by the cops to reveal the whereabouts of her brother, who is on the run after committing a murder. The interrogation becomes a battle of wits as the cops employ various tactics to extract the information they need. Isabel, however, tries to divert the conversation towards unrelated topics like self-love and societal norms, aiming to distract the cops. Despite her efforts, Maria, one of the interrogators, sees through her facade and uses Isabel’s love for her dog to break through her defenses, leading to a confession.
The second episode shifts focus to Carmen, a young woman who is suspected of drowning her autistic sister in the bathtub. Carmen remains silent initially, visibly distressed by her sister’s death and bearing physical marks of abuse from her father. It is eventually revealed that Carmen’s father had been abusive towards her, leading her to a breaking point where she felt compelled to end her sister’s suffering. Maria’s confidence in Carmen’s guilt initially helps in getting a confession, but Carmen’s manipulation skills come to light as she fabricates a story to please the interrogators. However, as the truth unfolds, it is revealed that Carmen’s actions were driven by a dark history of sexual abuse and fear of her father, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome.
The intricate storytelling in “Criminal: Spain” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the characters’ complex motives and psychological struggles are unraveled through intense interrogations. The series delves deep into the minds of both suspects and cops, showcasing the power dynamics and emotional turmoil that unfold within the confines of the interrogation room.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating: 16+
Parental Guide for Criminal: Spain TV Show:
Sex & Nudity:
The show contains moderate sexual content with scenes depicting intimacy between characters, suggestive dialogue, and references to sexual activities. There are no explicit nudity scenes.
Violence & Gore:
There are intense and realistic scenes of violence throughout the series, including physical altercations, shootings, and discussions of murder cases. The show does not shy away from depicting the aftermath of violent acts, but there is limited graphic gore.
Profanity:
The series includes frequent use of strong language, including profanity, crude terms, and explicit language. The characters use strong language in various situations.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
Characters are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes during breaks. There are also references to drug use, but it is not a prominent feature of the show.
Frightening & Intense Scenes:
The show features intense interrogation scenes, psychological mind games, and morally challenging situations. The tension and suspense in the interrogation room may be unsettling for some viewers.
Overall:
“Criminal: Spain” is a mature crime drama series that delves into complex psychological themes and moral dilemmas. The show is suitable for viewers aged 16 and above due to its mature content, including sexual themes, violence, strong language, and intense scenes. Parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Available on Netflix with subscription. English, German, French, Italian, Spanish languages supported. Season 1 consists of 40-minute episodes. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Psychological games abound between detectives and suspects in a tense interrogation room, where the search for answers sometimes comes at a moral cost.
Criminal: Spain is a 2019 Spanish-language police procedural anthology series created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith and starring Emma Suárez, Carmen Machi and Álvaro Cervantes.
Criminal: Spain is part of Netflix's Criminal, an anthology series consisting of twelve episodes with three episodes each set across four countries filmed in local languages - France, Spain, Germany and the UK.
Criminal: Spain- Episode 1 "Isabel" Recap & Review
Criminal Spain Netflix: Review, Summary, Ending: Explained
Criminal: Spain- Episode 2 "Carmen" Recap & Review
Criminal: Spain. Criminal: Spain: Season 1 (Trailer) Criminal: Franchise Trailer. Episodes Criminal: Spain.
Criminal: Spain is a 2019 Spanish-language police procedural anthology series created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith and starring Emma Suárez, Carmen Machi and Álvaro Cervantes.
Criminal: Spain is part of Netflix's Criminal, an anthology series consisting of twelve episodes with three episodes each set across four countries filmed in local languages – France, Spain, Germany and the UK.
Criminal: Spain was released on 20 September 2019 on Netflix.
🤖Criminal: Spain Reddit Talks
Criminal: Spain is a crime anthology series that follows detectives as they interrogate suspects in a single room. The Spanish version of the show has received mixed reviews, with some viewers praising its gripping nature while others criticizing its lack of subtlety compared to the UK version.
Acting:
The acting in Criminal: Spain has been a point of contention among viewers. Some have found the performances to be lacking compared to the UK version, while others have praised the lead actress, María, for her nuanced portrayal.
Storylines:
The storylines in Criminal: Spain have been described as gritty and cinematic, but some viewers have found them to be disjointed and confusing. The show’s use of flashbacks has also been a point of debate, with some viewers finding them to be effective and others finding them to be distracting.
Filming Location:
The first series of Criminal: Spain was filmed at Secuoya Studios in Madrid, the same location used for the French, German, and UK versions of the show.
Overall:
Overall, Criminal: Spain has received mixed reviews from viewers. Some have found it to be a gripping and suspenseful crime drama, while others have criticized its lack of subtlety and confusing storylines.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CriminalNetflix/comments/d6rroe/criminal_spain_episode_1_isabel_episode_discussion/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/ddsj2l/criminal_spain_germany_uk_is_really_quite_good/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixBestOf/comments/11jmmdd/discussion_is_criminal_any_good/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CriminalNetflix/comments/m0y06x/spain_isabel_episode_1_horrified_by_the_police/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CriminalNetflix/comments/d6rror/criminal_spain_episode_2_carmen_episode_discussion/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Criminal: Spain worth watching?
While Criminal: Spain follows the same setup as the UK version with separate cases and suspects in the interrogation room, some viewers find that it lacks the subtlety of the UK series. Additionally, feedback suggests that the acting is not as strong as in Criminal: UK.
Where was Criminal: Spain filmed?
All twelve episodes of Criminal: Spain were filmed at Netflix’s production hub in Ciudad de la Tele in Madrid, providing a unique setting for the series.
Is the series Criminal based on true stories?
No, Criminal is not based on true stories. The plot of the series is purely fictional, although it is inspired by the books written by Julia Quinn.
What is the plot of Criminal on Netflix?
The plot of Criminal on Netflix revolves around London investigators questioning suspects accused of grievous crimes within the walls of an interrogation room, leading to intense revelations.
How many episodes of Criminal: Spain are there?
Criminal: Spain is a Spanish-language police procedural anthology series with a total of 12 episodes, each focusing on the psychological games between detectives and suspects in a tense interrogation room.
Where is Criminal filmed?
The first series of Criminal: Spain was filmed at Netflix’s production hub in Secuoya Studios, Ciudad de la Tele in Madrid. The second series was filmed at Shepperton Studios in London, providing varying backdrops for the intense interrogation scenes.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Criminal: France: A psychological thriller where detectives interrogate suspects in a tense environment.
- The Mess You Leave Behind: A mystery series involving a teacher’s dark secrets and the consequences of her actions.
- Criminal: Germany: Similar to Criminal: Spain, this show focuses on intense interrogations between detectives and suspects.
- Channel Zero: An anthology horror series with different creepy stories each season.
- Bates Motel: A drama series that serves as a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s film Psycho, exploring the complex relationship between a mother and son.
- Prodigal Son: Follows a criminal psychologist who uses his insight to help the NYPD solve crimes, including those of his serial killer father.
- Helstrom: A supernatural thriller following siblings with dark powers as they hunt down the worst of humanity.
- Orphan Black: A sci-fi thriller about a woman who discovers she is a clone and gets involved in a deadly conspiracy.
- Evil: A psychological mystery series that explores the origins of evil along with supernatural occurrences.
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