Under Siege Review: In Under Siege (Palacio), a tragic real-life event in Colombia is retold through the eyes of the people who faced terrifying adversities on that fateful day in 1985. The series, over 8 episodes, showcases a heart-wrenching story, while also simultaneously bringing forth the M-19’s side as well. The series is a slow-burn watch that leans more towards drama than thrill, but the human stories in the middle are definitely quite moving.
The cast includes Natalia Reyes, Luna Baxter, Mariana Gómez, Carlos Manuel Vesga, Robinson Díaz, Santiago Alarcón, Nicole Santamaría, and Andrés Castañeda, with the film being directed by Jayro Bustamante, Edgar Nito and Samir Oliveros, and Natalia Santa joins as the showrunner.
Under Siege Review
A Story Built Around a Defining Moment
Dramatising the November 1985 siege of Bogota’s Palace of Justice, the series highlights how the M-19 guerrilla group took 300 people hostage and what these innocent people and their families went through. Although the Colombian military was able to take the building back, the tragedy left so many people without answers and with lasting trauma.
Netflix mentions that the series is inspired by real and publicly known events and, with that, the creators have put forth multiple perspectives to add to the watching experience. It’s interesting, also, to note that the series tries to get to the bottom of these perspectives and why people make the decisions that they do. This gives the series a rather nuanced approach, creating a bigger impact than one can expect from a heavily action-packed show.
The series, throughout its 8 episodes, jumps from one perspective to the next, showcasing how one situation can have a domino effect. There are moments when the series gets under your skin because it’s so relatable; at others, viewers will find themselves overcome with emotion.
An Ambitious Production, With a Serious Responsibility
The production does a lot of the heavy lifting for the series as the entire Palace of Justice comes to life in front of us. The Bogotá set and the Palace’s facade are extremely realistic and make for a fantastic watch. As a result, the Palace becomes a character in its own right, adding to the intrigue and thrill of watching the tragedy unfold in front of us.
Along with creating a very realistic stage for the story to be told, the series does a great job of being careful with what it showcases. With a tragedy as shocking as this one, it’s no shock that a lot of care must go into it. The series isn’t just a story about the siege, but what happens when something like this happens to ordinary people. The families’ long pursuit of justice is something that will haunt viewers. It also adds another dimension to the show as we see how a tragedy like this can stay with people long after it’s over and where the accountability lies.
Overall, the series is moving not because of the siege, but the fallout from it. Very important questions are asked as well, including who stands by us in the face of a crisis, and the answer really opens your eyes to the truth.
Performances That Bring the Real People to Screen
The ensemble does a great job of bringing forth the tragedy through the eyes of those who were there. Natalia Reyes, who plays Pilar, anchors the story on her quest to find her missing husband. She captures the spirit of her character beautifully, turning Pilar’s desperation into a beacon of hope.
Other than her, Luna Baxter as Olga, Andrés Castañeda as Eduardo Umaña, Santiago Alarcón as Alfonso Reyes Echandía, and Carlos Manuel Vesga as Alfonso Plazas Vega are great as well and bring forth the desperation that a situation like that can make anyone feel.
Not All is Good…
While Under Siege is a moving story, it takes far too long to get anywhere, as the series takes its time to create an impression. As a result, by the time something significant comes along, viewers will find themselves a bit bored. The eight episodes can also feel a bit long and laggy, leaving viewers to skip through rather than finding the patience to keep on watching. The multiple perspectives, although interesting, end up being a bit confusing sometimes and can really disrupt the viewing experience.
Final Verdict
In the end, Under Siege is a moving watch that can sometimes get very slow and even disorienting. However, the large-scale recreation is very well done and creates an atmosphere that leaves an impression.
Watch Under Siege on Netflix right now. Did you enjoy the series? Let us know in the comments below!
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