Someone Has to Die

"Someone Has to Die" is a gripping Spanish-language Netflix miniseries released in 2020 that masterfully blends elements of thriller, drama, and crime genres into a riveting narrative around conservative societal norms, suppressed desires, and complex familial politics in 1950s Spain, a background punctuated by the oppressive Franco regime. Its ominous title hints upon the gravity and grittiness of the stories unraveling in this dark web of secrets, lies, and betrayals where a pivotal decision sends ripples through the lives of each character, anchoring moving performances that build and sustain tension even in scenes where not much is outwardly happening.

The primarily three-part miniseries begins with the arrival of young Gabino Falcón (played by Alejandro Speitzer), an expatriate returning from Mexico to his native Spain after a decade. He is accompanied by a Mexican ballet dancer, Lázaro (Issac Hernández), considered a close friend, with the intent of introducing him to his traditional, high-standing family. However, the conservative Spanish society of the time and Gabino's rigid family, especially his controlling mother Mina Falcón (Cecilia Suárez), have been anticipating Gabino's return chiefly to arrange his marriage to the alluring Cayetana Aldama (Ester Expósito), the daughter of a powerful aristocratic Spanish family, as a means to propagate social and political alliances.

The emergence of a hidden relationship and a series of love triangles causes scandal and disruption, propelling forward the narrative. The series stirs up a societal hornet's nest, probing the suppression of sexual freedom, homosexuality, pedophilia, and machismo, topics considered taboo during this era. High-octane drama unfolds as unlikely alliances form, secrets spill out, betrayals mantle love, and tensions rise, pushing characters to their limits and beyond the boundaries society laid out for them.

Multi-layered and devastating, "Someone Has to Die" manages to maintain the suspense in the might and right of an intolerant society while peeling back layers of characters grappling with their desires and identities. As the plot thickens, the audience cannot help but be ensnared in the dichotomy between public personas and hidden truths that push and pull at the characters while they navigate a world where reputation is everything, and societal norms loom as a strict and relentless dictator.

Eusebio Poncela's powerful performance as Gabino’s grandfather, known as "The Patriarch," serves as the ruthless representation of the oppressive society while the standout performance from Cecilia Suárez, provides an intimate look into the desperate lengths people go to maintain their facades. Meanwhile, the youthful charm of Gabino, played brilliantly by Alejandro Speitzer lends an air of naïve optimism and rebelliousness, countering the harsh realities of the society he is born into.

"Someone Has to Die," directed by Manolo Caro of "The House of Flowers" fame, with its gorgeous Spanish setting, is steeped in tremendous period detail. This not only transports the audience into the era but also accentuates the society's suffocating rigidity. The cinematography draws upon the picturesque Spanish locales with mesmerizing grandeur, casting unique shades of the 1950s with an almost dreamy romanticism that juxtaposes harshly against the grave plot.

Although the style of storytelling is magnificently provocative and is pivotal to its dramatic suspense, the series does not shy away from dark, gloomy elements, and explicit scenes that tug relentlessly at societal norms. At its heart, "Someone Has to Die" is a severe critique of societal bigotry, homophobia, and the stringent class structure cloaked in beautifully intricate family drama.

Tightly packed into three hour-long episodes, "Someone Has to Die" is a beautifully tragic symphony of devotion, loyalties, societal pressures, and revolt against the oppressive norms set by traditionalist values. It's a captivating rollercoaster ride for anyone who loves intense drama and is not afraid to delve into the depths of unsettling narratives with elements encased in societal taboos and mysteries. With bold storytelling, a captivating premise, and brilliant performances, "Someone Has to Die" promises to be a hard-to-miss spectacle on Netflix’s Spanish show roster.