A journey through darkness: The harrowing tale of ‘I’m Nevenka’
A nightmarish encounter
“I went to bed in one of the hotel rooms, and he lay down beside me,” recounts Nevenka Fernández, a former member of Ponferrada Municipal Council, describing the traumatic night in 2000 when she was raped by her boss, Ismael Álvarez, then the all-powerful mayor of the city.
“Why didn’t you leave?” Álvarez’s defense attorney questions during the trial that Fernández initiated by taking Álvarez to court for sexual harassment.
“He was at my side. I couldn’t move,” Fernández replies, her voice heavy with the weight of the past.
A landmark film inspired by true events
Iciar Bollain’s film, I’m Nevenka, sold by Film Factory Entertainment and featured in the main competition at this year’s San Sebastián Film Festival, is a poignant portrayal of these events. Co-written with Isa Campo, the film is based on the real-life case that led to Álvarez becoming the first politician in Spain to be convicted of sexual harassment, a landmark judicial sentence that occurred 15 years before the #MeToo movement.
The film is not merely a chronological recounting of the events leading to the ruling. Álvarez’s character is a masterclass in emotional manipulation, from belittling Fernández with the childish nickname “Quenca” to accusing her of immaturity, to threats, sudden pleas for forgiveness, and ultimately, sexual abuse.
A visceral experience
Bollaín’s direction ensures that the audience not only follows the abuse but also feels its physical and emotional impact. The film opens with a powerful scene where Nevenka (played by Mireia Oriol) abandons her job, fleeing dressed as a medieval handmaiden during a Ponferrada Templars Night procession. This scene sets the tone for the emotional journey that follows, capturing her distress as she wrings her hands days later when meeting her lawyer in Madrid.
The direction evolves from elegant, plush crowd scenes to classic horror genre tropes, with Álvarez depicted as a quasi-ogre. This transformation is a testament to Bollaín’s ability to blend genres to enhance the narrative’s emotional depth.
The making of a powerful film
In the lead-up to this year’s San Sebastián, Bollaín delved into what is arguably her most significant film to date. A Movistar Plus+ original, produced with Kowalski Films and Feelgood Media, I’m Nevenka benefits from the financial and promotional support of Spain’s largest pay TV/SVOD player. The film premiered in Spain on September 27 via Buena Vista International.
One of the film’s striking impacts is its physical portrayal of Nevenka Fernández’s descent into a personal hell. The elegant framing of her initial days with Álvarez contrasts sharply with the horror of harassment, captured with the claustrophobia of a genre film, where Álvarez becomes a monstrous figure. This journey culminates in a final sense of liberation.
A journey of light and darkness
The film begins with a lot of light, portraying Nevenka as happy, empowered, brilliant, and intelligent. As her situation deteriorates, the framing becomes more twisted, creating a sense of claustrophobia. This visual journey allows the audience to experience her descent into darkness alongside her.
Álvarez’s defense attorney’s question during the trial, “Why did you go through such a calvary? You didn’t have to put up with everything you’ve related today,” underscores the difficulty of explaining harassment. It can be subtle and prolonged, making it challenging to convey in a narrative without losing the audience’s engagement.
The monster within
Urko Olazabal’s portrayal of Álvarez is chilling. His character slowly raises his head, approaches from behind, or suddenly appears at Nevenka’s door, embodying a crocodile waiting to strike. This transformation is a combination of Olazabal’s performance and the camera work, creating a sense of severity and emotional detachment.
Álvarez’s manipulation extends to playing the victim, asking if Nevenka wants him to commit suicide, or belittling her as a little girl. This behavior is a hallmark of machismo’s heavy artillery, creating confusion and paralysis in Nevenka, who struggles to react appropriately.
Conversations and inspirations
The film draws heavily from conversations with Nevenka and Juan José Millás’ non-fiction book, “Hay algo que no es como me dicen,” which served as an initial source. The testimonies of other women who have suffered sexual harassment also informed the narrative, revealing a pattern and method to such abuse.
A tale of two worlds
The film creates an almost mythical sense of time, contrasting modern Madrid with Ponferrada, where events climax during the medieval Templar’s Night. Nevenka, dressed as a handmaiden, and Álvarez, her knight and lord, symbolize the power dynamics at play. Fiction allows for shaping the film’s sense, enhancing the dramatic impact of the story.
Movistar Plus+ and the future of cinema
Movistar Plus+ announced its first movie slate this January, including I’m Nevenka. The film was described as “creating event cinema,” demonstrating Movistar’s commitment to pushing boundaries. The support from Movistar was crucial, allowing for a challenging shoot across various locations, including Bilbao, Zamora, and England. The film’s setting in 2000 required meticulous attention to detail, from cars to buildings, makeup, hairdressing, and costumes, making it an expensive but worthwhile endeavor.
Movistar’s powerful promotion mechanism, unmatched by other Spanish groups, provided a significant boost for the film’s marketing on Spanish TV, ensuring its success.
I’m Nevenka is more than a film; it’s a journey through darkness, a testament to resilience, and a powerful reminder of the impact of emotional and physical abuse. It’s a story that needs to be told, felt, and understood, offering a profound experience for cinema enthusiasts and advocates for justice alike.