Spanish crime series: A deep dive into the genre’s rise
The evolution of Spanish crime series
In recent years, Spanish crime series have taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with their intricate plots and compelling characters. This trend was highlighted during a panel discussion at the San Sebastián Festival, featuring industry experts such as Susana Herreras from Movistar Plus+, Laura Sarmiento, the showrunner of Netflix’s hit series “Intimacy,” and Elías León Siminiani, co-creator of the 2017 docuseries “El caso Asunta (Operación Nenúfar).”
The rise of Spanish crime series
The panel, aptly titled “The Spanish Crime Series Boom,” underscored the genre’s explosive growth. As of mid-September this year, seven Spanish titles had reached the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s Global Non-English TV series charts, dominating the top position for 15 out of 35 weeks. This performance outshines other non-English language countries, with Korea, Japan, and France trailing behind. Notably, six of these top-ranking series were crime dramas, including “Berlin,” “Gangs of Galicia,” and “Raising Voices.”
The impact of streaming platforms
“The arrival of the platforms changed everything,” remarked Siminiani. Streaming services have revolutionized the industry by providing budgets that were previously unimaginable, allowing for longer series and more in-depth investigations. This shift has enabled creators to incorporate their investigative processes into the content, making true crime more accessible. Platforms now often request companion titles, blending fiction and docuseries, which has broadened the scope of storytelling.
True crime’s influence on fiction
The integration of real-life criminal procedures into fictional narratives has invigorated the genre. Fran Araujo and Pepe Coira, the lead writers of Movistar Plus+ hits “Hierro” and “Rapa,” exemplify this approach. They meticulously researched and documented their stories, allowing reality to shape their plots and characters. This commitment to authenticity ensures that their characters are uniquely Spanish, avoiding clichés from foreign crime series.
The importance of character development
For Sarmiento, the essence of a compelling crime series lies in its characters. “Burning Body,” inspired by a real-life crime, delves into the motivations behind the characters’ actions. Sarmiento was particularly interested in exploring why seemingly ordinary people could commit such heinous acts. This focus on character depth adds a layer of relatability and intrigue to the narrative.
The advantages of fictional storytelling
“Querer,” a standout series at this year’s San Sebastián Festival, directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, illustrates the power of fiction in addressing controversial issues. The series, inspired by real-life cases, follows a woman who accuses her husband of decades of sexual abuse. Fiction allows creators to tackle sensitive topics with nuance and depth, making them more comprehensible to audiences. Herreras cited “Samber,” a series about a long-unsolved string of sexual assaults in Northern France, as another example of how fiction can effectively portray societal issues.
Blending genres and real crime
Spain has a long tradition of mixing crime with other genres, a practice that continues to evolve. “Elite,” for instance, combines murder mysteries with hot-button issues and steamy romance. This genre-blending approach has led to the creation of multiple sub-genres within crime series. At this year’s San Sebastián Festival, the prominence of real crime narratives was evident. Both “I’m Nevenka” and “Querer” focus on women proving sexual harassment or abuse in court, highlighting the challenges they face.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
As a cinema, TV series, and music enthusiast, the rise of Spanish crime series is a thrilling development. These shows offer a unique blend of cultural authenticity, intricate storytelling, and deep character exploration. The genre’s ability to tackle real-life issues through the lens of fiction makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
For those looking to dive deeper into this genre, I recommend checking out the trailers and information pages for some of the standout series mentioned:
- Intimacy
- Burning Body
- El Caso Asunta
- Hierro
- Rapa
- Berlin
- Gangs of Galicia
- Raising Voices
- Querer
- Elite
These links will provide you with immediate access to additional details and multimedia resources, enhancing your viewing experience.
Final thoughts
The Spanish crime series boom is a testament to the genre’s versatility and appeal. By blending real-life events with fictional narratives, these series offer a unique perspective on crime and justice. As streaming platforms continue to support and promote these shows, we can expect even more innovative and captivating stories to emerge from Spain.