08/12/2021 - The comedy, based on a stage play of the same name, boasts an ensemble cast toplined by Malena Alterio, Alexandra Jiménez and Fele Martínez

The cast and crew of Bajo terapia during the shoot for the film (© Juan Carlos Gómez)

Shooting took place in Pamplona in November for the film Bajo terapia [+see also:
trailer
film profile], directed by Gerardo Herrero (who was selected for the Berlinale competition in 1997 with Comanche Territory, and who subsequently helmed titles such as Las razones de mis amigos, Heroine and the Málaga Film Festival winner Rough Winds, as well as the recent thrillers Frozen Silence [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Gerardo Herrero
film profile], La playa de los ahogados [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and The Goya Murders [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]). Like any good comedy, the film by Herrero, who is also a producer, uses humour as its primary tool throughout a storyline in which three couples take part in a very peculiar therapy session.

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The protagonists of this ensemble film are Malena Alterio (seen recently in the series Spanish Shame [+see also:
interview: Juan Cavestany
series profile]), Alexandra Jiménez (Distances [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Elena Trapé
film profile]), Fele Martínez (the Bad Education [+see also:
trailer
film profile] actor has already played the character of Daniel on stage in Madrid), Antonio Pagudo, Eva Ugarte and Juan Carlos Vellido (seen in the series Hierro [+see also:
series review
interview: Jorge Coira
interview: Olivier Wotling
series profile] and also a performer in the stage play that is now being brought to the big screen). Indeed, the movie is based on the play of the same name written by Matías del Federico, which, after enjoying immense success in Argentina, was also performed in Spain, directed by Daniel Veronese and adapted by David Serrano.

The plot introduces us to a psychologist who suggests to three couples that they engage in a group session, where they will have to analyse each other without her being present. In order to do so, she has left them a number of envelopes containing instructions on the things they have to address. The method she has proposed encourages everyone to share their opinions, argue with each other and reveal their true selves. They are all public prosecutors and defence lawyers; they all interrogate one another, confess, lay themselves bare emotionally, regret the things they have said and toy with provoking the others. It’s a comedy with realistic characters and with a great sense of humour up until the final twist, which will wipe the smile off the audience’s faces because, in an instant, everything will take on a different meaning.

“Secrets about the private lives of our characters will be disclosed, as will the things hidden beneath the surface, layer by layer; in these situations, psychologists sometimes manage to make us reveal everything to ourselves or to our loved ones. It’s a group therapy session that forces them all to lay themselves bare, emotionally, to the others,” states Herrero. “There are six proposals here: it’s pure, everyday realism. Truth and lies combine in the same situation, foul play and comradeship seek to forge a union, and reproaches and arguments aim to bring to light a very murky affair.”

Bajo terapia is a Tornasol SL and Alcavarán Films AIE production, which boasts support from the Navarre Government. The Spanish distribution has been entrusted to Syldavia Cinema, while the international sales are handled by Latido Films. 

(Translated from Spanish)