In a corrupt system which survives and perpetuates itself over the years, being a politician is a real privilege for those who know how to play their cards. Director Rodrigo Sorogoyen helms a tightly paced and suspenseful tale in The Realm (‘El Reino’) that chronicles the untangling of a privileged few.
Manuel (played flawlessly by Antonio de la Torre) is an influential regional vice-secretary who has everything in his favour to become the next Regional President. The film opens depicting Manuel as a respected and loyal official amongst his party colleagues. Together, they enjoy life, luxury yachts and expensive restaurants. This picture of contentment shields their day-to-day activities that include money laundering, land rezoning and exchanging favours with businessmen in the area.
The serenity is set to unravel when a leaked tape exposes dealings between Manuel and yacht-party friend Paco to the public eye – essentially portraying them as the sole perpetrators. But it belies a pit of murkiness where no one is innocent. Further, he is summoned to party headquarters where further coercion requires his resignation and ‘taking one for the party’. The event reveals to him the true nature of his friends and colleagues, some more cold-blooded then he.
If Manuel is going down, he’ll be sure to take them all down with him. It radically shifts his role from facilitator to whistle-blower, and his determination will overflow into confrontation and ultimately, his survival.
Right up to the very last second between Manuel and journalist Amaia Marín (power casting of Bárbara Lennie), the anticipation and intrigue continues to build. The Realm is a class act. It is fast and sometimes the subtitles don’t appear to keep up with the action on screen, but stick with it.
4.5 stars
Screening at the following cinemas from 16 May 2019.
MELBOURNE
Palace Cinema Como
Palace Balwyn
Kino Cinemas
Cinema Nova
Classic Elsternwick
SYDNEY
Palace Verona
Palace Central
BYRON BAY
Palace Byron Bay
CANBERRA
Palace Electric
BRISBANE
Palace James Street Cinemas
New Farm Cinemas
PERTH
Luna Leederviille
Paradiso – TBC
ADELAIDE
Palace East End
HOBART
State Cinema
About The Realm
Directed by: Rodrigo Sorogoyen
Written by: Isabel Pena, Rodrigo Sorogoyen
Stars: Antonio de la Torre, Monica Lopez, Jose Maria Pou, Nacho Fresneda
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