Alba (2021) Review: A Riveting and Tragic Spanish Drama

The series Alba is an adaptation of the Turkish book titled Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?, which translates to ‘What is Fatmagül’s Crime?’ It features Elena River and Eric Masip in pivotal roles. The show displays a determined woman who bravely fights back to unravel the truth.

– Alba Review Doesn’t Contain Any Spoilers –

Alba is a Heart-wrenching Tale of Consent and Assault

Despite being a Spanish TV series, Alba is one of today’s most powerful series that provides a realistic take on issues such as feminism and gender roles in the modern world. It features a strong female character as the protagonist who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, including relationships. The show also focuses on the consequences of casual sex and the dangers women face in societies. The series exhibits excellent plot twists and well-thought-out pacing, making it a work of art.

Alba is as much a commentary and criticism on Spanish culture as it is a compelling drama. The show portrays the effects of sexual assault through the victim’s experience. More than that, it shows how the protagonist’s life is changed in the aftermath of the sexual assault. While some stories of sexual assault tie everything up in a neat bow or wipe the slate clean, this story doesn’t do that. It follows the unforgiving and painful reality of rape survivors.

The world of Netflix has a new star, and the name is Alba. Set in Spain, this drama series takes an unforgettable look into the lives of several college students, including Alba, who finds herself wrapped up in a scandalous situation. As she struggles to come to terms with her dreary surroundings, she realises that there is much more to life.

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Alba Does an Exceptional Job at Character Portrayal and Emotional Afterthought

The gripping ending of this Spanish drama left the fans wanting more. With flashbacks and flashforwards, the story unveils several surprising secrets and offers a new perspective. The show’s creation and creative process are years in the making, co-occurring with the show’s actual filming.

There are few things better than TV shows that leave the viewers wanting to know more. It is a bold move, considering it could quickly alienate the viewers. Yet, Alba makes the viewers question if some of the scenes are true. Its gripping plot and likeable cast make it a success from the start.

‘The brave one’ was Alba’s point of view. ‘The fool’ was how she described herself. As a series that follows the life of a rape victim, it is bound to get you emotionally invested. It is no wonder that many look for a similar show like Alba. But it is not easy to find a show with its level of intensity, thrills, and empathy. That said, some shows come close to it. While not as intense as this series, these shows will get you involved in their characters’ lives and leave you wanting more.

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Alba Moves Beyond the Rhetoric With the Narrative Steering Towards Unflinching

It has successfully drawn attention to the brutal and clinical interrogation rape survivors often undergo more than once. Apart from having to relive and retell the traumatic event multiple times, Alba is also subjected to pointed questions regarding her behaviour on the night of the assault. Moreover, the interrogation topics regarding her actions on the night cover what she was wearing. This highlights the culture of victim-blaming often faced by women after being sexually assaulted.

If you watched the Spanish series, you must have been thoroughly engrossed in the story, as each episode reveals a bit more than the previous one. It is no surprise that many people have asked if the show is based on a true story. After all, the events depicted in the drama are heart-wrenching and seem to have a real-life connection. From the fourth rapist’s identity to the names of some of the characters, several factors hint at some parts of the narrative being rooted in reality.

Although set in two different parts of the world, both Alba and the Turkish story explore some themes peculiar to many rape cases. The focus on what a woman wore on the night of her assault is common. This victim-blaming reinforces myths around rape culture and opens the door to questions regarding a woman’s and the victim’s conduct in the attack.

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Stream It or Skip It?

Alba showcases the brutally clinical nature of rape investigations and highlights the accountability of law enforcement authorities and the public questioning a survivor’s sexual consent. It is undoubtedly a must-watch.

Alba is currently streaming on Netflix.