…for anyone looking for smart, modern political cinema, The Candidate gets the job done…

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 6, 2024

Non-Spanish speaking viewers will have no problem relating, although the thriller aspect of the film eventually undermines its lofty ambitions.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Feb 6, 2020

With the charismatic Antonio de la Torre at Manu, driving the film through the low life politicians living the high life, the film is saved from too confusing a plot.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 3, 2020

A whip-smart, razor-sharp and fiercely contemporary political thriller, shot cinematically with gripping urgency.

| Nov 4, 2019

Sorogoyen paints an uncomfortable and disturbing portrait of a political class without any scruples or moral compass. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 8/10 | Oct 6, 2019

A frenetic, overwhelming thriller. [Full review in Spanish]

| Oct 3, 2019

An interesting political thriller. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Oct 3, 2019

[A] film of conceptual acuity. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 12, 2019

From the producers of The Secret in Their Eyes, this fast-paced, twisty political thriller has deservedly won many awards in its native Spain, and further afield.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 7, 2019

The compelling de la Torre leads a fine ensemble, with Luis Zahera outstanding in a memorable meltdown sequence. But the dénouement is as thuddingly unsubtle as Olivier Arson's pounding electro score.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 5, 2019

This is one of those rare films that starts as a slog but grows progressively more engrossing as it develops.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 1, 2019

Brisk and labyrinthine, this snappy Spanish political thriller is urgent and edgy, packed with vivid characters and an astonishing picture of the breadth of criminal activity within a government.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jul 31, 2019

If the film deserves two adjectives, those would be "necessary" and "opportune".[Full Review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jul 10, 2019

If Spanish politics is a school of sharks, then regional vice-secretary Manuel "Manu" López Vidal is a great white. Forever in motion, packed with personality, he's a masterly schemer in a sharp suit.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 21, 2019

The film's final act is superb: very tense, very cynical and very very angry ... It's satisfying stuff, and truly on the dirty money for these deeply corrupt times.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 21, 2019

Gradually, as Manuel works with increasing intensity to secure the evidence he needs against his former colleagues, the film - directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen - casts its spell.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 17, 2019

The Realm becomes one of the year's best thrillers, something which has the potential to really leave a mark once given proper international distribution.

| May 17, 2019

The script, by the director and his regular collaborator Isabel Pena, makes no concessions when it comes to the complexities of the storyline... You do have to keep your wits about you, but that's part of the fun.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 16, 2019

The Realm doesn't cover new ground in the shadier tactics of politicians, but is ingeniously acted and well-meaning in its efforts to denounce their outrageous behaviors, impudent attitude, and obsession for power.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 8, 2019

Acclaim should carry it far among those craving intrigue, suspense and muckraking social commentary.

| Jan 18, 2019