‘Bank Under Siege’ Netflix Series Review - Straight Out of History Books

Daniel Calparsoro’s Bank Under Siege offers a gripping portrayal of one of Spain’s most infamous heists: the robbery of the Central Bank of Barcelona in 1981. The series dives into the complexities of the crime, led by a group of 11 men under the leadership of Jose Juan Martinez and Cuevas, who held over 300 hostages for nearly two days. What starts as a typical bank robbery quickly transforms into something much more intriguing as the series unravels layers of political tension and conspiracy.

At first, the robbers' demands seem rooted in political unrest. They ask for the release of Lt. Colonel Antonio Tejero and others imprisoned after the failed coup attempt earlier that year. This demand raises eyebrows among politicians and journalists alike, hinting that the heist might not merely be about money but rather a political statement. The reference to Tejero immediately recalls the tumultuous political climate of Spain in the early 1980s, where democratic reforms were still fragile, and the echoes of dictatorship lingered in the air. It’s this tension between the political and criminal elements that adds a compelling layer to the narrative.

As the robbers begin to shift their focus solely to the cash, abandoning their initial demands, the plot thickens. Was the mention of Tejero and political prisoners merely a diversion, or was there an underlying agenda orchestrated by more powerful forces? These questions are central to the investigative subplot led by Maider, a tenacious journalist who suspects that the heist is just the surface of a deeper conspiracy. Maider’s storyline serves as a counterpoint to the unfolding drama inside the bank, adding a sense of urgency and mystery as she uncovers links between the robbers and possible political backers.

While the series maintains a tense atmosphere within the bank, showcasing the robbers’ growing desperation and the hostages’ psychological toll, it also expertly depicts the external pressure on law enforcement and the government. Police Officer Paco and General Aramburu Topete find themselves entangled not just in a hostage crisis but in a race against time to understand the robbers' true motives. This dynamic between law enforcement’s tactical efforts and the political implications creates a multi-layered tension that keeps viewers on edge.

The scenes inside the bank are claustrophobic and anxiety-inducing, reflecting the hostages’ fear and the robbers’ unpredictability. Yet, the series does not solely rely on action to engage the audience. It takes time to delve into the psychology of the robbers and the hostages alike, humanizing the situation and adding emotional stakes to the ticking-clock scenario.

Bank Under Siege also excels in its portrayal of the media’s role during the crisis. Maider’s investigation into the possible political motivations behind the heist is a fascinating exploration of how journalism interacts with national crises. As she digs deeper, her findings suggest that the robbery might be part of a larger, more insidious plan involving Spain’s political elite, further muddying the waters and raising the stakes beyond the immediate threat to the hostages. When it comes to acting, everyone is point on in reflecting the script.

In conclusion, Bank Under Siege offers a suspenseful blend of crime thriller and political drama, weaving together personal stories of survival with the broader socio-political context of post-Franco Spain.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times