Best Spanish Thrillers of Recent Times.
written by Souranath Banerjee
It seems that the Spanish film-makers/story-tellers have mastered the ‘art of suspense‘ for quite some time now. Be it the sudden moment of panic or the slow built-up of tension, the Spanish thrillers are gaining popularity worldwide for their out-of-the-box concepts and precise execution that guarantees a certain adrenaline rush for the audience.
Intriguing storyline combined with powerful acting and clever direction – these successful Spanish-language suspense-thrillers will surely keep you guessing till the end.
In the list below, I have chosen some of the Best Spanish Thrillers of Recent Times and hope you have a chill of your life watching them!
Let the fun begin!
10. Julia’s Eyes (2010)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0ImiRLFlSs
Original title ‘Los ojos de Julia‘.
A woman named Julia (Belén Rueda) who is slowly loosing her eyesight starts investigating her sister’s death which is believed to be a suicide (until proved otherwise).
Directed by Guillem Morales, this movie has a thrilling first half and an unexpected ending that will keep you in the edge. A crime mystery totally worth your time.
9. The Aura (2005)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Vrnp9knJY
Original title ‘El aura‘.
Directed by Fabián Bielinsky and brilliant performance by Ricardo Darín, this film is a unique thriller, slow paced and moody, with very distinctive atmospherics that perfectly blends with the plot.
Planning a perfect crime is never easy but for a taxidermist with a gifted memory nothing seems impossible. But will he succeed at the end?
8.The Uninvited Guest (2004)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQWN6L-gttc
Original title ‘El habitante incierto‘.
A story about the mysterious disappearance of a stranger who comes into an architect’s house to use the telephone. Is he hiding inside the house somewhere or is it all just an imagination?
Directed by Guillem Morales this film certainly gives you the creeps specially when you are alone at your own place. Those noises?
7.The Body (2012)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyE5LnY3dT0
Original title ‘El cuerpo‘.
A body mysteriously goes missing from the morgue and thus begins a search for it.
Brilliantly directed by Oriol Paulo, a clever script well complemented by damn good performances, and then a few unexpected twists in the plot – it’s one of the most well-made thrillers of recent times that keeps you guessing till the very end.
6. The Hidden Face (2011)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afJ1h3Esoqo
Original title ‘La cara oculta‘.
The sudden disappearance of a Spanish orchestra conductor’s girlfriend leads to an unusual investigation; a mystery with a twisted plot and an unexpected ending.
Director Andrés Baiz does set the mood for a perfect thriller but then better acting could have improved the audience experience.
5. Marshland (2014)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fpk3Lnc638
Original title ‘La isla mínima‘.
A classic serial killer case investigated by a team of two homicide detectives who are of complete contrast in nature and character.
Directed by Alberto Rodríguez, this thrilling drama is set in the backdrop of the marshlands – highly entertaining and engaging, and then again a very beautifully shot film.
4. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFF8wXGF9Yw
Original title ‘El secreto de sus ojos‘.
A retired legal counselor who is haunted by his past unsolved cases (and also his love life) writes a novel which he expects will help him solve all his issues.
Juan José Campanella‘s flawless direction and Ricardo Darín‘s powerful performance makes this Oscar winning film a memorable experience. It won as the Best Foreign Language Film of the Year.
3. Sleep Tight (2011)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHzUJWogDIs
Original title ‘Mientras duermes‘.
The most creepy film ever made, the movie revolves around a man who cannot bear to see other’s happiness.
A gripping story with such awesome performances by Luis Tosar, Marta Etura. Directed by Jaume Balagueró this film is a disturbing one that undoubtedly leaves its mark on you.
2. Nine Queens (2000)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Les56e22c
Original title ‘Nueve reinas‘.
The most popular Spanish thriller till date, and i am certainly sure that it is the most entertaining one too!
Directed by Fabián Bielinsky and brilliant performance by Ricardo Darín and Gastón Pauls, it’s about a few con artists who try to swindle their way out of everything (well, almost everything).
1. The Skin I Live In (2011)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EolQSTTTpI4
Original title ‘La piel que habito‘.
From one of my favorite director Pedro Almodóvar comes a brilliant thriller – it’s a mysterious plot that revolves around a plastic surgeon and his muse.
Philosophical and yet very much real, a film about obsession and revenge.
Superb performance by Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet.
and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch).
+1. Wild Tales (2014)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUnXv6R2HI8
Original title ‘Relatos salvajes‘.
An anthology with six individual short films, all of which having a common theme of retribution and vengeance.
Directed by Damián Szifrón, all these stories are stretched to their extreme possibilities and yet they seem to be believable enough!
Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com.