A new chapter in Spanish television: Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s “Querer”

From cinematic debut to television triumph

Two years ago, Alauda Ruiz de Azúa made waves in the Spanish film industry with her feature debut, “Lullaby,” which was hailed as a standout by notable directors. Now, she ventures into the realm of television with her first mini-series, “Querer.” This highly anticipated series, which premiered out of competition at the San Sebastián Film Festival, has already garnered significant attention.

A gripping narrative unfolds

“Querer” opens with a powerful scene: Miren, a woman in what appears to be a perfect marriage, walks into a police station to accuse her husband of 30 years of sexual assault. This accusation sets off a chain of events that deeply affects her family, particularly her two sons. Aitor, the elder son, remains loyal to his father, while Jon, the younger, supports his mother. The series masterfully intertwines a legal thriller with a family drama, exploring the divergent impacts of Miren’s decision.

Cinematic techniques in television

Ruiz de Azúa’s approach to “Querer” is notably cinematic. The series employs fixed-frame, mid-distance shots, creating a visual style that feels more like a film than a traditional TV show. This technique allows the audience to maintain a certain distance from the characters, fostering a sense of objectivity. The camera only moves during pivotal moments, such as when Miren resolutely walks to the courtroom, emphasizing the gravity of these scenes.

Exploring complex themes

“Querer” delves into profound questions about love, consent, and the dynamics of power within a marriage. It challenges viewers to consider what many men perceive as loving behavior and how to prove a lack of sexual consent within a marital context. The series builds to an unexpected emotional payoff, making it a thought-provoking and boundary-breaking piece of work.

Stellar performances by Spanish actors

The series features outstanding performances by four talented Spanish actors. Nagore Aranburu, known for her roles in “Irati,” “Intimacy,” and “Flowers,” delivers a compelling portrayal of Miren. Pedro Casablanc, who appeared in Almodóvar’s “Strange Way of Life,” plays the husband. Miguel Bernardeu, famous for his role in “Elite,” takes on the character of Aitor, while Iván Pellicer, from “Paraíso,” plays Jon. These actors bring depth and nuance to their roles, making “Querer” a standout series.

Behind the scenes: creative freedom and collaboration

The mini-series is a collaborative effort, written by Ruiz de Azúa, Eduard Sola, and Júlia de Paz. It is produced by Movistar Plus+ in partnership with Kowalski Films and Feelgood Media, with Movistar Plus+ International handling distribution. Ruiz de Azúa speaks highly of the creative freedom she experienced while working with Movistar Plus+, noting that she had ample resources to bring her vision to life.

Addressing sexual abuse in marriage

One of the central themes of “Querer” is the occurrence of sexual violence within a seemingly stable marriage. Ruiz de Azúa was captivated by the premise of a woman leaving her husband after years of marriage due to sexual violence. The series explores how such violence can develop within a relationship that initially involved consensual relations. It examines the mechanisms by which someone who once professed love can become an aggressor.

A courtroom drama with depth

The series places viewers inside a real trial, where they must witness all testimonies and accounts to understand the characters fully. This approach allows for a nuanced exploration of both Miren and her husband’s perspectives, highlighting the tragedy of machismo and its impact on both sides.

A nuanced portrayal of victims

Nagore Aranburu’s performance as Miren is highly contained, avoiding the cliché of the hysterical victim. Ruiz de Azúa and Aranburu worked together to create a character who embodies the real-life experiences of many victims, who often maintain a composed exterior despite their inner turmoil. This portrayal adds authenticity and depth to the series.

The sons’ internal conflicts

The characters of Aitor and Jon are also deeply conflicted, torn between their loyalty to their father and their support for their mother. Their internal struggles make them more human and relatable, as they navigate the complexities of their family dynamics and the uncertainty of their decisions.

A series to remember

“Querer” has been hailed by Spanish reviewers as the Spanish series of the year, and it is easy to see why. With its compelling narrative, cinematic techniques, and outstanding performances, it is a series that will leave a lasting impact on viewers.

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