Cell 211 Cinema Review

By Jey Matienzo

Cell 211 opens with a striking first scene in silence, forcing all focus on a man that slices his wrists open to let the blood and life drain out of him. From the outset, I knew that this film meant business.

Juan Oliver (Ammann) is knocked out by falling plaster on a tour of his new work place the day before he officially starts as a prison guard and is left to recover in cell 211 – the cell that was vacated because of the suicide. While out cold, a riot has broken out and when he comes to, he has to think on his feet and realises he has to masquerade as a prisoner if he is to survive on the inside amongst them.

Malamadre (Tosar) is the do-not-mess-with-me leader of the pack in the block, and whatever he says, goes; it is he that Juan needs to convince of his amity. As he steadfastly gains Malamadre’s trust and becomes his right-hand man because of his educated advantages, we discover what really goes on in the prison block and the corruption that weaves through it. We also discover that despite the highly tense and unscrupulous environment, Malamadre is not a bitter person, but actually a likeable character. His jokes and sarcasm are pleasantly surprising and his developing comradeship with Juan was a joy to watch, eventually steering me into wanting things to work out for him.

Cell 211 is an edgy and thrilling rollercoaster that gripped me from the first scene to the last. It is a satisfying mix of suspense and action, and even squeezes in some truly endearing scenes between Juan and his wife, Elena (Etura). It’s not a wonder that the film has won itself a tonne of awards; it thoroughly deserves it. After all the twists and turns, one undoubtedly hopes for the happy ending, with resolution and justice, and that is the beauty of this film. The two superbly acted leading men ensconce your feelings with them as they take you on this genuinely emotional ride.

A highly recommended film from the Spaniards. Muy bien.