The opening scene of Intimacy (2022) is a masterclass in tension. A dimly lit room, the hum of a laptop fan, and then—a gasp, a pause, a click. The screen goes black. This isn’t just the moment a politician’s sex tape leaks; it’s the moment we’re pulled into a web of secrets, power, and personal betrayal.

Created by Laura Sarmiento and Verónica Fernández for Netflix, Intimacy is a Spanish drama series that takes the premise of political scandal and spins it into something more complex. At its core, it’s about Malen (Itziar Ituño), a rising politician whose career is threatened when an intimate video surfaces just as she’s running for the Mayorship of Bilbao. The cast is stacked with powerhouse actresses like Patricia López Arnaiz, Verónica Echegui, and Emma Suárez, each bringing depth to their roles.

What works best here is the way the series balances personal drama with political intrigue. The scenes between Malen and her inner circle are electric, particularly a confrontation in a dimly lit bar where the camera lingers on Ituño’s expressive face as she grapples with betrayal. The sound design amplifies the tension—every whisper, every stifled sob, feels like a punch to the gut.

But Intimacy isn’t without its flaws. The pacing stumbles in the middle episodes, bogged down by subplots that feel more like distractions than additions. A storyline involving Malen’s ex-partner, Kepa (Jaime Zatarain), meanders without adding much emotional weight. And while the performances are strong, some of the supporting characters, like Alfredo (Marc Martínez), come off as one-dimensional.

The series also struggles with its tone. It wants to be a gritty drama but occasionally veers into melodrama, especially in scenes involving Malen’s mother, Miren (Emma Suárez). A tearful confrontation between mother and daughter in a hospital hallway feels overly sentimental, undercutting the series’ otherwise grounded approach.

Yet, Intimacy recovers with its final act. The climax—a courtroom showdown where Malen’s future hangs in the balance—is gripping. Ituño shines here, delivering a speech that is both defiant and vulnerable. The camera work, tight and intimate, keeps us on the edge of our seats.

Themes of privacy, consent, and the blurred lines between public and private life are explored with nuance. A particularly striking scene involves Malen addressing a crowd of supporters, her voice trembling but resolute as she speaks about the violation she’s experienced. This moment isn’t just about the scandal; it’s about the broader implications of technology and intimacy in the digital age.

The performances across the board are strong, with Ituño delivering a standout turn as Malen. Her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability makes her a compelling protagonist. Patricia López Arnaiz, playing Bego, Malen’s campaign manager, brings a sense of urgency and loyalty that grounds the series. Verónica Echegui, as Ane, Malen’s sister, adds emotional depth with her quiet, supportive presence.

The supporting cast, however, is where Intimacy falters. Characters like Alfredo and Kepa feel underdeveloped, their motivations unclear. Jaime Zatarain, in particular, struggles to make Kepa more than a plot device. The series also suffers from a lack of distinct visual style. While the cinematography is competent, it rarely stands out, relying on standard close-ups and wide shots that don’t add much to the storytelling.

The pacing issues are most evident in the middle episodes, where the narrative feels stretched thin. Subplots involving Malen’s past relationships and her mother’s health feel like filler, slowing down the momentum built in the earlier episodes. The series also struggles with its handling of the political aspects of the story. While it touches on themes of power and corruption, it never delves deep enough to make them feel consequential.

Despite these flaws, Intimacy has moments of brilliance. A scene where Malen confronts the person who leaked the video is particularly powerful. The tension is palpable, the dialogue sharp, and Ituño’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary. This moment encapsulates everything that makes Intimacy compelling—a blend of personal drama and political intrigue, wrapped in a story about the consequences of our actions.

The series also benefits from its strong female-led narrative. In an industry dominated by male perspectives, Intimacy offers a refreshing take on power, ambition, and the personal sacrifices required to achieve success. The relationships between the women—Malen and Bego, Malen and Ane, Malen and her mother—are explored with sensitivity and depth.

The final act of Intimacy is where the series truly shines. The courtroom scenes are tense and dramatic, with Ituño delivering a powerful performance that ties together the themes of the series. The resolution, while satisfying, leaves room for interpretation, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about the characters and their actions.

In the end, Intimacy is a series that takes risks but doesn’t always stick the landing. It’s a gripping exploration of power, privacy, and the personal cost of public life.