Clanes – Review | Netflix Thriller Series | Gangs of Galicia

Introduction

“Gangs of Galicia” known as “Clanes” in Spanish, is a gripping new crime thriller series that premiered on Netflix on June 21, 2024. Created and written by Jorge Guerricaechevarría and directed by Roger Gual, this Spanish series dives into the dangerous and complex world of drug trafficking in Galicia, Spain. As a seasoned reviewer , my goal is to provide a comprehensive and engaging review of “Clanes” that will resonate with readers. Let’s delve into the details of this thrilling series, exploring its plot, characters, themes, and overall impact.

Plot Overview

The story of “Clanes” revolves around Ana, a sharp-witted lawyer from Madrid, portrayed by Clara Lago. The narrative kicks off when Ana receives a call from her father, Jorge, who works as a sailboat tour operator in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. Soon after their conversation, Jorge is murdered on his boat, plunging Ana into a world of secrets and danger. She discovers that her father led a double life as a drug trafficker and decides to move to Cambados, a small town in Galicia, to uncover the truth and seek revenge.

In Cambados, Ana meets Daniel, played by Tamar Novas, the charming and adventurous son of a notorious drug lord. Daniel’s father, Padín, played by Miguel de Lira, is the head of a powerful drug cartel. As Ana gets closer to the truth about her father’s death, she finds herself entangled in a web of danger, deception, and unexpected romance. This blend of personal vendetta and crime drama forms the core of “Clanes,” making it a compelling watch.

Main Characters

Ana (Clara Lago): A determined lawyer from Madrid who seeks justice for her father’s murder and uncovers his secret life.
Daniel (Tamar Novas): The son of a drug lord who becomes Ana’s ally and potential love interest.
Padín (Miguel de Lira): Daniel’s father and the head of a major drug cartel.
Laura (Melania Cruz): One of the beneficiaries of Jorge’s secret bank account.
Berta (María Pujalte): Another beneficiary named in Jorge’s will.

Setting and Filming Locations

“Clanes” is set in various picturesque and contrasting locations across Spain, including Madrid and Cambados. The authentic settings add a rich, atmospheric backdrop to the story, enhancing the narrative’s realism and immersion. The series was filmed in Madrid, A Coruña, Cádiz, Cambados, Málaga, and other locations, including Dakar, Senegal; Porto, Portugal; and Gibraltar, offering a diverse visual palette that complements the story’s intensity.

Themes and Execution

“Gangs of Galicia” tackles several themes, including revenge, family secrets, and the complexities of the drug trade. The show combines elements of a traditional crime thriller with personal and romantic drama, creating a multifaceted narrative. While the series excels in its depiction of the dark underbelly of the drug world, some critics argue that the relationship drama occasionally overshadows the crime and thriller aspects, leading to a somewhat predictable storyline.

Inspired by True Events

“Gangs of Galicia” draws inspiration from real-life events, particularly Operation Nécora, the first major raid against drug networks in Galicia. This historical context lends authenticity to the series, grounding its dramatic events in true stories of crime and law enforcement in Spain. However, the show takes creative liberties, focusing more on personal vendettas and romantic entanglements than the gritty details of the drug trade.

Critical Reception

Critics have had mixed reactions to “Gangs of Galicia.” On the one hand, the series is praised for its strong performances, particularly by Clara Lago and Tamar Novas, and its ability to weave a compelling narrative inspired by real events. The atmospheric setting and high production values also received commendation. On the other hand, some reviewers feel that the series falls into soapy territory with its emphasis on personal relationships and predictable plot twists.

In-Depth Analysis

As a viewer, I found “Clanes” to be a captivating and well-executed series that combines the best elements of crime drama and personal storytelling. Clara Lago’s portrayal of Ana is both strong and nuanced, capturing the character’s determination and vulnerability as she navigates the dangerous world of drug trafficking. Tamar Novas brings charm and complexity to the role of Daniel, making his character a compelling foil to Ana.

The setting of Galicia adds a unique and atmospheric backdrop to the series. The town of Cambados, with its historical ties to the drug trade, provides an authentic and immersive environment for the story to unfold. The series does an excellent job of capturing the tension and danger that comes with delving into the criminal underworld, while also exploring the personal and emotional stakes for its characters.

One of the strengths of “Clanes” is its ability to balance the crime and thriller elements with the personal and romantic drama. While some critics have noted that the relationship drama can overshadow the main plot, I found that it added depth and complexity to the characters and their motivations. The series does a good job of exploring the emotional toll of seeking revenge and uncovering family secrets, making it a more relatable and engaging watch.

Review :

While the show starts with an interesting story, it quickly becomes predictable. The main problem is that it focuses too much on relationship drama. The crime and thriller parts, which should be the main focus, often take a backseat. This makes the series less exciting and more like a regular drama.

Pros:

• The actors, especially Clara Lago and Tamar Novas, give strong performances.
• The filming locations are beautiful and add to the story.
• The basic idea of the show, inspired by real events, is intriguing.

Cons:

• The story is predictable and follows a formula.
• There is too much focus on relationship drama.
• The show lacks the intensity and suspense of a good crime thriller.

Episode Breakdown Gangs of Galicia has seven episodes. Here’s a brief look at what happens in each episode:

Episode 1: The Beginning Ana calls her father, Jorge, for a chat. After they hang up, Jorge is shot and killed on his boat. Ana goes to Fuerteventura to deal with his affairs and finds out about his secret bank account and the money left to Berta and Laura. She decides to go to Cambados to find out more.

Episode 2: The Move Ana moves to Cambados and meets Daniel, the son of a drug cartel leader. Daniel asks Ana to be his lawyer. Ana agrees, hoping to learn more about her father’s secret life. She starts to get to know the town and its people.

Episode 3: Secrets Uncovered Ana starts digging into her father’s past. She meets Berta and Laura and learns more about their connections to her father. Daniel helps her navigate the dangerous world of drug trafficking.

Episode 4: Danger and Deception Ana gets deeper into the drug cartel’s activities. She faces danger but is determined to find out the truth. Her relationship with Daniel becomes more complicated as she starts to have feelings for him.

Episode 5: The Truth Hurts Ana makes some shocking discoveries about her father’s involvement in the drug cartel. She struggles with her feelings for Daniel and her need for revenge. The tension in Cambados rises as the cartel’s enemies close in.

Episode 6: Confrontation Ana confronts Padín, Daniel’s father, and other cartel members. She demands answers about her father’s death. The situation becomes more dangerous as Ana gets closer to the truth.

Episode 7: The Finale Ana finally uncovers the full truth about her father’s double life and his murder. She faces a final showdown with the cartel. The season ends with a cliffhanger, leaving the door open for a possible second season.

Personal Take

As an avid fan of crime dramas and thrillers, I thoroughly enjoyed “Clanes.” The series offers a fresh and engaging take on the genre, with its blend of personal vendetta and crime thriller elements. The performances by the cast are top-notch, and the setting of Galicia adds a unique and atmospheric backdrop to the story. While the series does have its flaws, particularly in terms of its predictable plot twists and emphasis on relationship drama, it remains a compelling and well-executed series that is worth watching.

Conclusion

“Gangs of Galicia” (Clanes) is a thrilling and engaging crime drama that offers a unique and atmospheric look at the world of drug trafficking in Galicia, Spain. With strong performances, a compelling narrative, and a rich setting, the series is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and thrillers. While it may not be perfect, its blend of intense drama and real-world inspiration makes it a notable addition to Netflix’s growing library of international thrillers.

For those looking for a new series that combines crime, drama, and a touch of romance, “Clanes” is worth checking out. Despite its flaws, it provides an engaging and atmospheric journey into the heart of Galicia’s criminal underworld. Stream it now on Netflix and immerse yourself in the gripping tale of revenge, secrets, and survival.

Watch “Gangs of Galicia” on Netflix

“Gangs of Galicia” is available to stream on Netflix from June 21, 2024. Don’t miss out on this new Spanish thriller that promises to keep you hooked from start to finish.

Rating

Gangs of Galicia (Clanes): ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Breakdown:

• Storyline: ★★★☆☆
• The story starts strong but becomes predictable. The focus on relationship drama overshadows the crime thriller elements.
• Characters: ★★★★☆
• Strong performances by Clara Lago and Tamar Novas elevate the series. Characters are well-developed and engaging.
• Setting and Cinematography: ★★★★★
• Beautiful filming locations add a rich, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the narrative’s realism and immersion.
• Themes and Execution: ★★★☆☆
• Balances crime drama with personal and romantic elements, but sometimes at the cost of suspense and intensity.
• Overall Impact: ★★★☆☆
• An engaging series with notable flaws. Worth watching for fans of crime dramas, but lacks the intensity of top-tier thrillers.

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