Netflix continues to explore Spain's dark criminal history with its latest offering, 'La viuda negra', a film that reconstructs the infamous Patraix crime. Starring Carmen Machi, Tristán Ulloa, and Ivana Baquero, the movie delves into the life of María Jesús M.C., known as Maje, who was convicted of orchestrating the murder of her husband, Antonio Navarro, in 2017. The film, set to premiere on May 30, promises to offer a nuanced look at the motivations behind such a heinous act.
The case, which shocked Spain, involved Maje and her lover, Salvador, who were sentenced to 22 and 17 years in prison, respectively. 'La viuda negra' seeks to understand why someone would prefer to become a widow rather than go through a divorce, a question that haunted the filmmakers. The production team, including director Carlos Semes and producer Ramón Campos, relied on the extensive case files and consultations with the judicial and police officials involved, avoiding any direct contact with the convicted individuals.
Tristán Ulloa, who plays Salvador in the film, emphasizes that the project aims to explore the psychology of the perpetrators without glorifying their actions or disrespecting the victims. 'La viuda negra' is part of Netflix's growing catalog of Spanish true crime stories, following the success of series like 'El caso Asunta' and 'El cuerpo en llamas'. This trend reflects a broader fascination with the genre, both in Spain and internationally.
The film's portrayal of Maje challenges the simplistic labels often attached to female criminals, such as 'sex addict', which were erroneously applied in the public discourse surrounding the case. Instead, 'La viuda negra' presents a complex character study, examining the societal and personal pressures that can lead to extreme actions. As Netflix prepares to release this gripping tale, audiences are left to ponder the thin line between understanding and justification in the realm of true crime storytelling.
Pope León XIV presided over the canonization of seven new saints during a ceremony in St. Peter's Square on World Mission Sunday. The newly recognized saints include Ignacio Maloyan, an Armenian Catholic archbishop and martyr; Peter To Rot, the first saint from Papua New Guinea; Vincenza...
FC Barcelona has released its latest financial results, revealing a complex picture of record-breaking commercial performance coupled with significant asset devaluations. The Catalan club reported extraordinary sponsorship and commercial revenue of €429 million for the previous fiscal year,...
Juan del Val, the winner of the 2025 Planeta Prize, has responded to the wave of criticism surrounding his recent literary award. The novelist and television collaborator secured Spain's most prestigious literary honor for his upcoming novel 'Vera, una historia de amor,' which comes with a €1...
Spanish First Vice President and Finance Minister María Jesús Montero has assured that no autonomous community will lose resources under the new singular financing model for Catalonia agreed between the central government and the Generalitat. Speaking to media before the 'World in Progress'...
Pope Leone XIV presided over a significant canonization ceremony at St. Peter's Square on Sunday, elevating seven individuals to sainthood including Venezuela's first two saints. The ceremony, marked by the ringing of bells and attended by approximately 55,000 people, saw the canonization of...
