El Correo: Spain’s First Blockbuster of 2024
The Spanish film industry is currently being dominated by the movie El Correo, directed by Daniel Calparsoro. The film’s main character is a wealthy man from Vallecas, Madrid, who is no stranger to hardship. The film opens with him on a container ship traveling from Spain to Hong Kong, safeguarding a cargo of 1.55 billion euros in illicit money, of which he is entitled to a three percent share. Upon his return, he heads to Marbella, the then hub of corruption in Spain, not just to spend his newfound wealth, but to get a slice of the Costa del Sol action.
El Correo’s Premiere and Box Office Success
El Correo premiered on 19th January and has already become Spain’s first blockbuster of 2024. The film has already earned 530,171 euros and drew an audience of 73,301 in its opening weekend, securing an 11 percent market share. The film is being screened in cinemas across Malaga province, marking a victory for Calparsoro, who has managed to create a blockbuster thriller, a departure from the usual comedy genre that typically draws the largest Spanish audiences.
El Correo: A Glimpse into Spain’s Corruption
Shot in Marbella, Malaga, Madrid, Geneva, and Brussels, El Correo offers a portrayal of the corruption that was rampant in Spain in the early 2000s, with Marbella at its core. The protagonist becomes embroiled in notorious operations such as Malaya, which marked a significant shift in the fight against real estate and political crime.
El Correo: A Star-Studded Cast
The film features a star-studded cast, including José Manuel Poga, Arón Piper, and María Pedraza. Poga plays the role of José Luis Ocaña, the Marbella town planning councillor. Piper and Pedraza play the roles of a businessman’s daughter and a money launderer, respectively. The film, which claims to be based on real events, includes scenes of briefcases being exchanged on Marbella’s Golden Mile and parties on luxury boats in Puerto Banús, where millions and deals are made over drinks.
Other Box Office Hits
Alongside El Correo, the new Wonka film and Beekeeper: The Protector also performed well at the box office last weekend.
