The Realm (El reino)

2018

List

92%

25 Reviews

Tomatometer

82%

50+ Ratings

Audience Score

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Critics Consensus

A gripping political thriller led by Antonio de la Torre's solid central performance, The Candidate demands -- and rewards -- the audience's rapt attention.

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

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

Rated: 3/5

Aug 1, 2019

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David Stratton

The Australian

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.

Rated: 4/5

May 17, 2019

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Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

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.

Rated: 4/5

May 16, 2019

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

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

Rated: 4/5

May 6, 2024

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Steven Sheehan

The Digital Fix

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

Rated: 6/10

Feb 6, 2020

Full Review

Katie Hogan

VultureHound

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.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 3, 2020

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flixster f

I thought it's based on real events. True story or not, I didn't like it.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

It's a fast-paced drama, with a lot happening from the get-go. It took me a while to feel like I had the rhythm of the movie, but it took me along on an intense, highly strung, dramatic ride all the same… and when everything came together, it felt good! Taut, engaging, and very well acted, it's hard not to rate it highly, despite the maelstrom of information being energetically thrown at you

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Late R

A scathing critique of politicians, politics and the system at large. To compare it to a Sunday drive in the car: it starts off at a nice, casual pace that introduces us to various elements and the players, and then keeps on speeding up until it becomes a tense race to survive at break-neck tempo. Superb directing and performances from the cast keep you focused on the story that's engrossing stuff providing you can keep track of all the moving parts. As far as political dramas/thrillers go, ‘The Candidate' does it right.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/07/21

Full Review

Audience Member

Masterpiece of political drama

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Interesante cinta sobre la corrupción política en España. La misma que hay en todo el mundo, la misma que tiene este planeta jodido. Buena historia, bien planteada, con un protagonista bueno y un final de lujo.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Una excelente pieza del cine, espectacular!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

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Rodrigo Sorogoyen

Director

Bárbara Lennie

Actor

Antonio de la Torre

Actor

Jose Maria Pou

Actor

Nacho Fresneda

Actor

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Director: Rodrigo Sorogoyen