An Examination of 'Coartadas': A High-Concept Spanish Comedy
Set for a theatrical release on November 28, 2025, the Spanish film 'Coartadas' (Alibis) enters the cinematic landscape with a conceptually promising comedic premise. Directed by Martín Cuervo, the film leverages the star power of Jaime Lorente and Adriana Torrebejano in a narrative centered on professional deception and romantic entanglement. The project is a remake of the successful 2016 French comedy 'Alibi.com', a fact that provides both a framework for its potential success and a significant benchmark against which it will be critically evaluated.
Plot Mechanics and Comedic Structure
The narrative follows Miguel (Jaime Lorente), the founder of a specialized company that fabricates elaborate alibis for clients engaged in disloyal or dishonest behavior. The business thrives on deceit, creating a world where lies are a commodity. The central conflict is initiated when Miguel, a purveyor of falsehoods, falls for Blanca (Adriana Torrebejano), a judge who professes a profound hatred for liars and fraud. This fundamental opposition establishes the film's core comedic and romantic tension. To complicate matters further, Miguel discovers that his prospective father-in-law is one of his own clients, a situation ripe for farcical encounters and escalating deceptions.
The Foundation of Farce
The premise is a classic setup for a comedy of errors, relying on dramatic irony and situational absurdity. The success of such a narrative hinges on the screenplay's ability to maintain a delicate balance between convoluted scenarios and coherent storytelling. The screenplay, adapted by Curro Velázquez and Benjamín Herranz, must navigate the challenge of localizing the humor and cultural references from its French predecessor to resonate with a Spanish audience. Director Martín Cuervo has suggested the adaptation aims for "much more comedy" while adding a "sentimental touch" to deepen the emotional core beyond pure comedy.
An Analysis of the Cast and Director
The selection of the cast is pivotal to the film's anticipated tone and appeal. The production brings together established dramatic actors with seasoned comedic performers, creating a dynamic that could yield compelling results.
Leading Performers and Comedic Support
Jaime Lorente, widely recognized for his intense roles in series like 'La casa de papel', takes on the lead as Miguel. This role represents a significant venture into a purely comedic space for the actor, and his performance will be a key point of critical focus. His ability to transition from dramatic intensity to the nuanced timing required for high-concept comedy will be instrumental. Opposite him, Adriana Torrebejano as Blanca is tasked with grounding the film's more absurd elements with a performance that is both commanding and romantically compelling.
The supporting cast features Leo Harlem and Llum Barrera, two figures well-established within the Spanish comedy circuit. Their inclusion signals a commitment to a robust comedic framework, likely providing the broader, more traditional comedic relief to counterbalance the central romantic plot. Their roles as the parents of Blanca are strategically positioned to maximize the narrative's farcical potential.
Direction and Production
Director Martín Cuervo's involvement suggests a specific stylistic approach. His previous work indicates a leaning towards accessible, mainstream comedy. 'Coartadas' is produced by a consortium of established entities, including Buendía Estudios Canarias, Secuoya Studios, and Beta Fiction Spain, with participation from Atresmedia Cine and Movistar Plus+. This level of backing indicates a significant industry investment and expectations for a commercially successful product.
Conclusion and Critical Outlook
'Coartadas' is positioned as a significant commercial comedy for the 2025 Spanish film calendar. Its strength lies in its proven high-concept premise, borrowed from a successful French film, and a cast that blends popular appeal with comedic expertise. The primary challenge will be to transcend its identity as a remake and establish a unique comedic voice. The film's ultimate success will be determined by the quality of the script's adaptation, the chemistry between its leads, and Cuervo's ability to orchestrate the escalating chaos of the plot with precision and wit. While a final rating is impossible pre-release, the constituent elements suggest a film with considerable potential to entertain, provided the execution is as compelling as its premise.
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