Italian
Behind his eyes: A new Spanish thriller inspired by true crime
A chilling tale from the past
In the southern Spanish province of Almería, between August 1989 and April 1996, a series of gruesome murders shocked the nation. A dozen sex workers were found dead, their bodies discarded in ravines and along roadsides. Each victim fit a similar profile, and a disturbing pattern emerged. This dark chapter in Spanish history is now being brought to the big screen in the upcoming thriller “Behind His Eyes,” directed by Lluís Quílez and written by Fernando Navarro.
The creative minds behind the project
Juan Mayne, a former Netflix executive, and Beatriz Bodegas, the influential indie producer behind La Canica Films, are teaming up to produce this gripping film. Their collaboration promises to deliver a suspenseful and aesthetically captivating experience. Quílez and Navarro, who previously worked together on the Netflix Original “Below Zero,” were the first choices for this project due to their proven ability to create tension and atmosphere.
A fictionalized narrative
While “Behind His Eyes” is inspired by true events, the filmmakers have chosen to take a more fictionalized approach. The real killer, dubbed the Jack the Ripper of Almería, was never caught, and the film aims to explore the obsession and determination of the investigators who tried to solve the case. Mayne emphasized that the film is not a documentary but rather a drama inspired by the perceptions of specific characters.
Aesthetic vision and thematic depth
Bodegas praised Quílez’s artistic vision and unique style, which she believes are essential for telling this story. The film aims to evoke feelings of cold and fear, not just through the actors and dialogue but also through the carefully crafted aesthetics. This approach is reminiscent of the duo’s previous work on “Below Zero,” which earned critical acclaim for its editing and visual effects.
Theatrical release and festival aspirations
Despite the growing trend of streaming platform releases, both Mayne and Bodegas are committed to giving ”Behind His Eyes” a theatrical run. They believe that the immersive experience of watching a film in a theater is irreplaceable. Their goal is not only to achieve commercial success but also to create a film that will resonate with festival audiences and critics.
Looking ahead
Quílez and Navarro are currently working on the screenplay, with plans to complete it by the end of the year. Once the script is finalized, Mayne and Bodegas will begin seeking collaborators, including sales agents, distributors, and local broadcasters. Shooting is scheduled to begin in 2025, and anticipation is already building for what promises to be a compelling and visually stunning thriller.
For those eager to get a glimpse of the creative team’s previous work, you can watch the trailer for “Below Zero” here.
As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Quílez and Navarro bring this chilling true crime story to life on the big screen. The film’s exploration of obsession, both in the killer’s actions and the investigators’ relentless pursuit, promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
