A Captivating Series That Explores Domestic Abuse: ‘Querer’ Arrives on Movistar Plus+ as One of the Year’s Must-Watch Shows

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The critical response has overwhelmingly praised the powerful depiction of gender-based violence in Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s directorial work ‘Cinco Lobitos’. Following the acclaim for this film, Ruiz de Azúa continues to explore women’s issues with her latest series, ‘Querer’. While ‘Cinco Lobitos’ focused on themes of motherhood and family dynamics, ‘Querer’ tackles the deeply ingrained issue of male violence. The show aired its four episodes during the recent San Sebastián Film Festival, and it is already being considered a strong contender for the year’s best national fiction.

A Critical Acclaim for ‘Querer’

In his review for El Mundo, Luis Martínez describes ‘Querer’ as a “stunning and monumental series,” labeling it one of this year’s miracles and solidifying the director’s status as a leading filmmaker of her generation. Nando Salvá from El Periódico calls the miniseries episodes “overwhelming and devastating,” navigating genres from family drama to psychological thrillers. Natalia Marcos in El País confidently states that ‘Querer’ is poised to rank among the top television offerings of the year.

Confronting Harrowing Realities

The narrative follows Miren, who, after 30 years of marriage and two children, decides to leave her home and file a police report against her husband, claiming she is a victim of ongoing rape. This grave allegation places her children in a challenging position, forcing them to choose between believing their mother or defending their father, who maintains his innocence. The series zeroes in on a singular goal: to unravel the truth and discern who is lying.

Thorough Research and Preparation

Though limited to four episodes, the production team of ‘Querer’ has put in considerable effort to ensure authenticity, starting with meticulous research. In an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse published recently, the director revealed, “We spent months conversing with individuals who had firsthand experience or connections to scenarios involving this kind of violence, from victims to specialized lawyers, judges, and psychologists who work with both abusers and their victims.” Moreover, they attended real court hearings as observers.

Art director Zaloa Ziluaga emphasized the importance of visiting real locations to accurately depict the circumstances surrounding the violence. “The first step involved filing a report and visiting an actual police station,” Ziluaga explained, highlighting the collaborative effort for thorough documentation.

Setting as a Character

In ‘Querer’, the city of Bilbao emerges as a significant character in its own right. Ziluaga remarks, “Bilbao offers a variety of textures and a striking, almost Nordic sobriety that resonates with me, making it easier to capture the essence of the narrative visually.” This multifaceted city backdrop contributes to the storytelling, enhancing the representation of a lifestyle enveloped in complexity and realism.

Additionally, color plays a crucial role in conveying emotions throughout the series. Colorist Paula Ruiz details the necessity of achieving a claustrophobic hue that reflects the atmospheric pressure faced by Miren during her ordeal. The use of muted colors was deliberately chosen to complement the characters and their emotional journeys, reinforcing the narrative without overshadowing it.

Ultimately, Alauda Ruiz de Azúa prioritizes simplicity in storytelling, repeating the concept of “minimalism” to steer her approach.

‘Querer’ premieres on October 17 on Movistar Plus+, marking a date that is sure to resonate in discussions about the year’s best series. The whole series runs just over 200 minutes, making it an ideal candidate for a binge-watch. Don’t miss out on this compelling narrative.

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