Presumed Guilty
Presumed Guilty starts with a premise full of potential: a man returning to his Basque hometown, haunted by the disappearance of his girlfriend and by the lingering suspicion that he is to blame. The story promises tension, family secrets, and a setting filled with silence that could have turned into pure suspense. However, what could have been a gripping thriller ends up falling short due to its excessively slow development.
The setting is perhaps the highlight. The Basque landscapes, with their forests and rugged coasts, are not only spectacular but also provide a sense of unsettling calm that contrasts with the central mystery. The cinematography gives each frame weight, reinforcing that Scandinavian noir vibe that clearly inspired the series.
As for the performances, Miguel Ángel Muñoz delivers a solid turn in a more mature and demanding role than usual. Yet, it’s Susi Sánchez and Elvira Mínguez who truly stand out, bringing gravitas to every scene they appear in. The problem lies with some supporting characters who feel unconvincing and with a script that sometimes circles around unnecessarily to maintain suspense.
The pacing is the main issue: the show takes too long to get going, relying heavily on flashbacks and subplots that don’t always add value. This deliberately slow cadence may appeal to viewers who enjoy a patient thriller, but it can frustrate those expecting more drive.
In the end, Presumed Guilty is a visually polished production with strong performances, but it’s weighed down by an uneven script and overly slow storytelling. Not a disaster, but far from a standout—it leaves the impression that the material could have been much more.
The setting is perhaps the highlight. The Basque landscapes, with their forests and rugged coasts, are not only spectacular but also provide a sense of unsettling calm that contrasts with the central mystery. The cinematography gives each frame weight, reinforcing that Scandinavian noir vibe that clearly inspired the series.
As for the performances, Miguel Ángel Muñoz delivers a solid turn in a more mature and demanding role than usual. Yet, it’s Susi Sánchez and Elvira Mínguez who truly stand out, bringing gravitas to every scene they appear in. The problem lies with some supporting characters who feel unconvincing and with a script that sometimes circles around unnecessarily to maintain suspense.
The pacing is the main issue: the show takes too long to get going, relying heavily on flashbacks and subplots that don’t always add value. This deliberately slow cadence may appeal to viewers who enjoy a patient thriller, but it can frustrate those expecting more drive.
In the end, Presumed Guilty is a visually polished production with strong performances, but it’s weighed down by an uneven script and overly slow storytelling. Not a disaster, but far from a standout—it leaves the impression that the material could have been much more.
Mini Review: Presumed Guilty starts with a premise full of potential: a man returning to his Basque hometown, haunted by the disappearance of his girlfriend and by the lingering suspicion that he is to blame. The story promises tension, family secrets, and a setting filled with silence that could have turned into pure suspense. However, what could have been a gripping thriller ends up falling short due to its excessively slow development. The setting is...