Presunto culpable

This is a plodding Spanish remake of the 2015 Norwegian drama "Acquitted." It makes no improvements. The plot would fit in four episodes but the writers stretch it to thirteen.

Everything is based on the tense interactions and affairs between two families, one rich and one working class, involved in the shipping business. The padding includes endless landscape and sea views and frequently replayed footage of a hand slowly touching moss. And the same conversations occur over and over. We could solve the national debt if we had a dollar for every time someone says "you killed her" or "I didn't do it" or "why aren't you looking for the killer instead of talking to me" etc. Padding also includes red herrings and subplots within subplots; certain characters who take up screen time simply disappear toward the end, without explanation. I also noticed that no one locks the doors to their homes (people wander in at any hour) or lock desks or put passwords on phones (enabling snoopers to cause big trouble).

Each character is a one-note stereotype: a long-suffering matriarch, an angry vengeance seeker, a sad alcoholic, a political loudmouth, and there's the obligatory male/male sex affair. The leading man (played by handsome Miguel Angel Munoz) is hollow and wooden, with one emotion - anger - played repeatedly by slamming his fist on a table and yelling "fu**!". We're also supposed to believe an expressionless teenager is a world famous PhD marine biologist. Well, she does look in a microscope once and whisper feeble dialogue about "synthesizing proteins" to eliminate cancer. Did all the trouble start when someone failed to spotlight her at a press event? Slog through hours of repeated conversations to learn the truth.

There are some jarringly graphic sex scenes and the usual harsh profanity we can't escape in streaming shows these days. Nothing can be done about a script and direction that moves everything in slow motion with the same dialogue again and again. One waits in vain for a train derailment, a boiler explosion, a bus full of loud tourists, SOMETHING to alleviate the same droning talk. I'm giving this two stars, not one, only because it's not as aggressively vulgar and stupid as the Spanish language "Who Killed Sarah" on Netflix, which deserved no stars at all.

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.

It's a good mystery but Jon is abusive so it's hard to watch. I like the other characters but don't have sympathy for Jon because of the way he abuses everyone around him

Spectacular shooting.....Good Script Very high shooting quality. North Spain

In Megahertz you can see the original serie called "Acquited" . This version from Spain, I like it.