Crematorio

Crematorio is a Spanish television series that was first aired on Canal+ in Spain in 2011. The series is based on Rafael Chirbes' critically acclaimed novel of the same name and is hailed as one of the finest pieces of Spanish noir fiction. Crematorio represents not only the diverse evolution of Spanish television but also offers a hard-hitting reflection of the socio-economic changes in Spanish culture and society.

The plot revolves around Rubén Bertomeu, an ex-real estate developer, who is power hungry and tries to maintain his hold on the Spanish coastal town of Misent. His empire of property development, once a booming business, is now crumbling in front of his eyes as the economic crisis of the early 21st century hits Spain hard. Bertomeu was once a simple man who transformed into a ruthless businessman, creating an empire built on greed and corruption.

One of the main themes of Crematorio is the brutal critique of speculative capitalism. It uses the property boom on the Costa Blanca as its setting to show how the collusion between politics, business, and crime can lead to the degradation of societal norms. As such, Crematorio could be seen as a comprehensive exploration of economic collapse and its effects on the morality of contemporary society.

The character of Rubén Bertomeu is played by the venerable actor José Sancho, who brings a charismatic yet sinister aura to his role. Bertomeu is not just a wealthy tycoon but a man flawed by ambition, and Sancho portrays the character with such nuances that audiences develop a fascinating, love-hate relationship with him. This richness of character adds an extra layer of complexity to the series as a whole.

Apart from Sancho, the series features an ensemble cast including actors like Alicia Borrachero and Vicente Romero. The performances of the cast are authentic and inspired, helping to depict every character with a believable level of depth, thus making the viewers sympathize or despise them for their actions and motives.

While the plot and characters are engaging, one of the unique aspects of Crematorio is its treatment of the locales. The Spanish coastal landscapes are used as more than just a background. They are vivid characters in themselves that reflect the changing times and atmosphere of Spain during this period of economic struggle.

The storytelling of Crematorio is nonlinear, and it flips back and forth over time, uncovering the past and present of the characters and their moral dilemmas. This narrative style creates a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout the series.

Crematorio certainly treads on darker themes, but it also exposes elements of family, relationships, and personal desires. These elements, combined with the intense drama and complex characters, make the series more than just a crime thriller. It is a study of societal changes, mixed with personal struggles and ambitions.

The series also deserves special mention for its cinematography and screenplay. The visuals of the series are gritty and raw, fitting perfectly with the grim story that it aims to narrate. The dialogue is crisp, thought-provoking, and helps build up the tension and drama effectively.

Overall, Crematorio is worth watching for its excellent storytelling, compelling characters, authentic performances, and remarkable depiction of a darker side of Spanish society. It combines the elements of a crime thriller, family drama, and sociopolitical critique to present a thought-provoking exploration of the detrimental effects of unchecked capitalism and greed.

Despite being a Spanish show, it has gained worldwide popularity for its universal themes and its fresh take on the noir genre. It is often considered as Spain's answer to shows like The Sopranos or Breaking Bad due to its high-quality production and storytelling, and the way it hinges on its complex anti-hero. Crematorio not only tackles hard issues but also provides unforgettable characters and intricate relationships, making it a must-watch for fans of drama series with a darker edge. Whether you're there for the mystery, the suspense, the social commentary, or the revealing character studies, Crematorio has something for everyone to enjoy.