So, let’s dive into “Cell 211.” I watched this on a chilly October evening, and honestly, I think the movie’s intensity kinda matched the weather. This Spanish thriller puts you in a prison from the get-go, and wow, what a ride.

It’s about this guy, Juan, a fresh recruit for the prison guard gig. He gets caught in a riot, and decides to blend in, posing as one of the inmates. Now, there’s a bit here that reminds me of that time jag och min bror snuck into a fancy movie premiere pretending we were film enthusiasts rather than just curious teenagers. We didn’t fool anyone, and maybe Juan wouldn’t have either with a closer look?

The film is raw and gritty, like an overcooked rökt korv you still find hard to resist at a summer barbecue. There’s something utterly bleak yet captivating about it. The tension, the unpredictability—it had me on the edge, like an intense round of kubb where the game suddenly turns against you.

The character Malamadre, the riot leader, has a presence that’s both terrifying and fascinating. I’m not entirely sure whether to hate him or secretly admire his sheer audacity. His leadership in chaos reminded me, oddly enough, of an art teacher I once had, who’d manage to control noisy classrooms with just a stare. Spooky.

Now, the film is not without its flaws. At some points, I felt like the chaos could have been a bit more restrained, you know? A bit more organized like the perfectly lined-up cinnamon buns at a Swedish fika. But I guess that’s what makes it feel so real.

For anyone looking for a thrilling 1 hour 50 minutes, this is a must-watch. And I mean, go in with popcorn and a friend for post-movie debates. You’ll need it.

Check the trailer here: Cell 211