A new era of Spanish crime thrillers: ‘When Nobody Sees Us’
A cinematic experience on the small screen
“It’s not TV,” HBO once proudly declared. This sentiment echoed in my mind as I watched the first 12 minutes of Enrique Urbizu’s crime thriller, When Nobody Sees Us, which premiered at the San Sebastián Festival. The scenes are not just television; they are pure cinema of the highest order.
A gripping opening sequence
The series opens with a man in a white ceremonial robe kneeling, drawing a sword, and committing hari-kari. This intense moment is followed by a float of the local virgin making its way through the whitewashed streets of Morón de la Frontera, Andalusia, during Holy Week. Amidst the procession, a young man hallucinates, seeing fellow penitents and the float itself levitate. He collapses, his eyes bleeding—a haunting image that sets the tone for the series.
Introducing the protagonists
We are then introduced to two strong female leads. Magaly Castillo, a U.S. Army military police lieutenant, arrives at the U.S. Army Air Force base, while Lucía Gutiérrez, a Spanish Civil Guard colonel, leaves her family to inspect the body of the suicide victim. Their paths cross as they delve into a complex investigation.
A procedural thriller with depth
When Nobody Sees Us, produced by Spain’s Zeta Studios, known for “Elite,” promises to be a full-on procedural thriller. Castillo is tasked with finding a missing American soldier, while Gutiérrez investigates the suicide. Their investigations soon reveal connections to the shady dealings of Colonel Douglas Hoopen and Lieutenant Andrew Taylor at the Air Force Base. The case intertwines the lives of Morón’s townspeople and the U.S. military personnel, creating a rich tapestry of intrigue.
Stellar cast and meticulous direction
The series stars Maribel Verdú, known for “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Flash,” as Gutiérrez, and Mariela Garriga, from “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning II,” as Castillo. They are joined by U.S. actors Austin Amelio and Ben Temple, and Spain’s Dani Rovira. Urbizu, the director behind the award-winning “No Rest for the Wicked” and the hybrid movie/series “Libertad,” brings his hallmark care and precision to every shot.
Visual storytelling at its finest
The scenes shown at San Sebastián are meticulously composed, with rich background details in the procession crowd scenes, suggesting a high-end budget. The use of Andalusia’s luminous light against a clear blue sky adds a unique visual appeal. Urbizu’s choice to shoot exteriors by day, capturing the green countryside in spring, contrasts with the dark crimes depicted, creating a transparent and clean aesthetic.
A clash of worlds
The series explores the clash between two highly regulated worlds: the traditional processions of Morón de la Frontera and the U.S. military base. Urbizu aims to unveil this little-known part of Andalusia to audiences, capturing the processions with a deep respect for tradition. The U.S. base, shared with Spain, presents a unique setting where it’s hard to distinguish which buildings belong to which country.
A strong female partnership
At the heart of the series is the relationship between Castillo and Gutiérrez. Despite coming from different contexts, they strike up a strong partnership, investigating together in a case of cross-border sorority and crime. Their chemistry is palpable from the first moment, adding depth to the narrative.
Post-production and future prospects
When Nobody Sees Us is currently in post-production. Enrique Urbizu has crafted a unique universe where two opposing worlds coexist, running like clockwork. The series marks Max’s first Spanish original, and the team couldn’t be prouder of this achievement.
Final thoughts
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, I find When Nobody Sees Us to be a promising addition to the crime thriller genre. The combination of Urbizu’s direction, a stellar cast, and a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of Andalusia’s luminous landscapes makes it a must-watch. The series not only offers a gripping storyline but also a visual feast, blending the best of cinema and television.