The opening shot of Intimacy lingers on a laptop screen, a grainy video playing—a politician’s most private moment now pixelated and public. This chilling image sets the tone for Netflix’s latest Spanish drama, a series that dives headfirst into the messy intersection of politics, privacy, and personal betrayal.

Created by Laura Sarmiento and Verónica Fernández, Intimacy centers on Malen (Itziar Ituño), a rising star in Basque politics whose campaign for the Mayorship of Bilbao is derailed when an intimate video surfaces online. The fallout is immediate: whispers replace respect, allies turn adversaries, and Malen’s personal life becomes a spectacle. It’s a premise ripe with tension, one that could easily have been reduced to tabloid fodder or melodrama. Yet Intimacy resists these pitfalls by grounding its story in the raw, unflinching performances of its ensemble cast.

Itziar Ituño delivers a standout turn as Malen, her portrayal oscillating between steely resolve and vulnerable despair. The scene where she first learns about the leak—her face crumpling not just from humiliation but from the realization that someone she trusted has weaponized her intimacy—is devastatingly real. Patricia López Arnaiz, playing Bego, Malen’s campaign manager, brings a sharp edge to the role, balancing ambition with loyalty in a way that feels authentic rather than clichéd.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. Verónica Echegui as Ane, Malen’s sister, adds emotional depth, while Ana Wagener and Emma Suárez bring gravitas as political insiders navigating the fallout. Even in smaller roles, like Yune Nogueiras’ Leire or Marc Martínez’ Alfredo, the performances are layered, avoiding the trap of one-dimensionality.

Where Intimacy excels is in its willingness to explore the human cost of scandal. The series doesn’t shy away from the gritty details—Malen’s panic attacks, her strained relationships, and the way her identity is reduced to a viral moment. A particularly powerful scene involves Malen confronting the person she believes leaked the video; the confrontation is tense, emotional, and ultimately ambiguous, reflecting the moral gray areas of betrayal.

Yet for all its strengths, Intimacy stumbles in its pacing. The first few episodes are gripping, but the narrative momentum falters as it expands its focus to include subplots involving other characters. While these threads add texture, they occasionally dilute the central conflict, making the series feel less urgent than it could be. Additionally, some of the political maneuvering—while undoubtedly grounded in reality—can feel overly convoluted at times, requiring a bit too much suspension of disbelief.

The mystery surrounding who leaked the video is compelling, but the resolution feels rushed, as if the creators were more interested in exploring Malen’s emotional journey than tying up every loose end. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; Intimacy works best when it focuses on its protagonist’s struggle for agency and dignity. But viewers expecting a tidy, satisfying conclusion might find themselves slightly disappointed.

Visually, the series is sleek and modern, with tight framing and a muted color palette that underscores the somber tone. The cinematography often feels clinical, mirroring the detached way society consumes scandal—until it doesn’t. Moments of intimacy (pun intended) are shot with raw immediacy, juxtaposing the cold, calculated world of politics with the messy, human reality of relationships.

Intimacy is a series that asks difficult questions about privacy, power, and the price of ambition. It’s not perfect—its pacing stumbles, its political machinations can feel overly complicated—but it’s undeniably compelling, thanks to its fearless performances and willingness to explore uncomfortable truths.

Tags: Netflix, dramas, Intimacy, Itziar Ituño, Patricia López Arnaiz, Verónica Echegui