Madrid – Movistar plus+’s new miniseries, Anatomía de un instante, arrives this thursday, November 20, offering a dramatic reconstruction of the failed coup attempt of February 23, 1981, a moment that brought Spain’s fledgling democracy to a standstill. Based on the acclaimed work by journalist Javier Cercas, the four-part series stars Álvaro Morte, Eduard fernández, and Manolo Solo as key figures Adolfo Suárez, Santiago Carrillo, and General Gutiérrez Mellado, respectively, and premiered at both the San Sebastián and Roma film festivals. The series promises an intimate portrayal of the political crisis and the individuals at its center, exploring the events surrounding the attempted takeover of Spanish Congress by paramilitary forces.
Movistar Plus+ is revisiting a pivotal moment in Spanish democracy with Anatomía de un instante, a new miniseries that reconstructs the events of February 23, 1981. That afternoon, as Congress was holding the second vote of investiture for Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo following the resignation of Adolfo Suárez, a group of 200 Civil Guards stormed the chamber under the orders of Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero. The assault, which brought the chamber to a standstill, is forever remembered by the image of three men who refused to comply: Suárez, Santiago Carrillo, and General Gutiérrez Mellado.
The series, directed by Alberto Rodríguez —winner of a Goya Award for La isla mínima and also known for El hombre de las mil caras—, will premiere on the platform this Thursday, November 20, following screenings at festivals including San Sebastián and Roma. The project is based on the work of the same name by Javier Cercas, one of the most acclaimed accounts of the attempted coup d’état, and meticulously recreates the political tension gripping the country, from the internal crisis of the UCD to questions surrounding the King’s leadership during the Transition.
Comprising four episodes of approximately 50 minutes each, Anatomía de un instante builds its narrative around that iconic photograph from Congress, exploring the trajectories of those involved. The series revisits the erosion of Suárez’s government, Carrillo’s return after decades in exile, and Gutiérrez Mellado’s efforts to modernize the army. It also delves into the legalization of the Communist Party, the role of King Juan Carlos I, and the fractures that shaped the consolidation of the democratic system.
The ambitious project has assembled a stellar cast, led by Álvaro Morte, Eduard Fernández, and Manolo Solo, three seasoned actors taking on the challenging roles of Suárez, Carrillo, and Gutiérrez Mellado, respectively. The series arrives as political dramas continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Álvaro Morte (Adolfo Suárez)
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Álvaro Morte tackles one of the most complex roles of his career as Adolfo Suárez, a key figure in the Transition and the first Prime Minister after the Constitution of 1978. The actor, known for La casa de papel (Money Heist), delivers an intimate portrayal of a leader facing mounting political pressure.
Eduard Fernández (Santiago Carrillo)
Eduard Fernández brings his signature intensity to the role of Santiago Carrillo, the historic leader of the Communist Party. The actor embodies a character full of complexities, marked by decades of exile and the delicate balance between the old guard of the PCE and negotiations with the government.
Manolo Solo (Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado)
Manolo Solo portrays Gutiérrez Mellado, one of the most iconic figures of February 23rd. The actor embodies the Lieutenant General with a restrained and understated performance, crucial to conveying his role in modernizing the army. His attempt to confront the armed Civil Guards within the chamber became one of the most powerful images of that night.
Miki Esparbé (Juan Carlos I)
Miki Esparbé, known for his comedic roles but increasingly taking on dramatic parts, faces the challenge of portraying Juan Carlos I during one of the most delicate moments of his reign, as he must make crucial decisions to safeguard the democratic process while the country teeters on the brink.
David Lorente (Antonio Tejero)
David Lorente, an actor with a solid career in film and television and recent winner of a Feroz Award for his performance in No me gusta conducir, takes on the role of Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero, the protagonist of the assault on Congress. His character embodies the most reactionary wing of the military establishment, bursting into the chamber armed and shouting “¡Quieto todo el mundo!” (Everyone freeze!), triggering the most tense hours of Spanish democracy.
Óscar de la Fuente (Jaime Milans del Bosch)
Óscar de la Fuente plays Captain General Jaime Milans del Bosch, one of the high-ranking officers involved in the coup. He was the one who sent tanks into the streets of Valencia during the 23-F, becoming a symbol of the military uprising and a direct challenge to the constitutional government.
Juanma Navas interprets Alfonso Armada, a general and key figure in the maneuvers that led to the attempted coup.
Anatomía de un instante arrives on the platform at a time when political fiction is regaining prominence, and does so with critical acclaim and several awards, including Best Actor for Álvaro Morte and Best Costume Design at the InStyle Awards. A direct and uncompromising look at the day Spanish democracy nearly collapsed.
