Marshland
Marshland

Movie spotlight

Marshland

2014
Movie
104 min
Spanish

The Spanish Deep South, 1980. A series of brutal murders of adolescent girls in a remote and forgotten town bring together two disparate characters – both detectives in the homicide division – to investigate the cases.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users89%
Director: Alberto RodríguezGenres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the summer of 1984, two homicide detectives, the seasoned veteran Juan and the ambitious rookie Pedro, are dispatched to a remote, swampy town in Andalusia to investigate the brutal murder of two teenage girls. As they delve deeper into the close-knit community, they uncover a dark web of secrets, long-held grudges, and a disturbing past that connects the victims and the town's inhabitants. The case forces the detectives to confront their own demons and the harsh realities of post-Franco Spain.

Critical Reception

Marshland was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its atmospheric setting, compelling mystery, and strong performances. Critics praised its dark and brooding tone, its intricate plot that weaves social commentary with suspense, and its ability to evoke the specific historical period. The film was a significant commercial success in Spain and garnered international attention.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterclass in atmospheric neo-noir with a gripping mystery.

  • Stellar performances from the lead actors anchor the dark and complex narrative.

  • Effectively captures a specific time and place in Spain's history while delivering a thrilling crime story.

Google audience: Viewers praised the film for its intense atmosphere, intriguing plot, and the compelling performances of its cast, particularly Raúl Arévalo and Javier Gutiérrez. Many found the mystery captivating and the exploration of Spanish society during the 1980s to be a strong element. Some noted that the film's grim tone might not be for everyone, but overall, it was considered a highly engaging and well-crafted thriller.

Awards & Accolades

Won 5 Goya Awards, including Best Director, Best Actor (Javier Gutiérrez), Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. Nominated for 13 Goya Awards in total. Received the Feroz Award for Best Actor. Won awards at the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's oppressive and humid atmosphere was meticulously recreated, with director Alberto Rodríguez and cinematographer Alex Catalán spending considerable time scouting locations that truly evoked the feeling of the marshlands and the specific era.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

The plot of the actual crime is not the brightest but that's the only weak point of this movie. The directing and photography are really, really good, with an atmosphere that remembers to the latest rising of the Scandinavian crime novel...

Reno

Reno

> A fine Spanish countryside murder mystery. This is a good suspense-crime-thriller. Reminded me the Korean film 'Memories of Murder', but not the same or similar, except the crime scenario and the location. Awesome to see a detective st...