It won 4 Goya Awards and is on Netflix: Luis Tosar's film inspired by a true story that you have to see once or for all.

Netflix's Spanish film catalog has grown in recent years with offerings that stand out not only for their quality but also for their commitment to stories that carry a strong emotional charge. From crime thrillers to family dramas, the platform has clearly opted to showcase productions that resonate with audiences, among other things, for their accurate reflection of reality.

One of the most notable films of recent times, winner of several Goya Awards and featuring a masterful performance by Luis Tosar, is available on the Netflix streaming service. And while its title doesn't immediately appear on the most-watched lists, those who have found it recommend it. It's Adú , a film as heartbreaking as it is necessary.

This drama, released in 2020, is directed by Salvador Calvo and interweaves three distinct stories that converge on a common theme: the tragedy of immigration. On the one hand, it tells the story of a six-year-old boy who flees Cameroon with his sister in search of a better life in Europe.

On the other hand, it depicts the struggle of a Spanish environmental activist —played by Tosar—who tries to stop poaching while trying to mend his relationship with his daughter. The third plot thread follows a group of Civil Guards during an attempt to climb over the Melilla fence.

Screenwriter Alejandro Hernández drew inspiration from real-life cases of migration and border violence, collecting testimonies from people who experienced these experiences firsthand. This work gives the film a narrative power that transcends the screen, generating empathy without falling into sentimentality. In addition to its content, the film shines on the technical side. Winner of four Goya Awards in 2021, it was recognized for its direction, production, photography, and sound.

Filming took place in real locations in Benin, Murcia, Gran Canaria, and Melilla , providing a level of realism rarely seen in fiction films. Another of the film's most moving aspects is its casting. The boy who plays Adú was discovered in Cameroon during the film's preparations. He had no acting experience and spoke no Spanish or French. However, his naturalness in front of the camera was such that the crew decided to adapt part of the script to his way of communicating.

Luis Tosar, for his part, offers a restrained yet powerful performance, in which the character's rage, guilt, and helplessness are intuited without the need for lengthy speeches. Furthermore, his chemistry with Anna Castillo, who plays his daughter, adds an additional emotional component that balances the rawness of the rest of the story.