Review of The Predator of Seville Rating *****
He said. She said. That is what this three-episode docuseries builds to in the closing minutes of the final episode. As an outside observer privy to all the facts, the answer to the question – Who do you believe? – is an obvious one. But with the restrictions placed by the court system, and testimony that seems to contradict the main accuser’s account, the answer is not so black and white.
This docuseries relies heavily on the commentary of Gabrielle Vega, who claims that she had been drugged and raped by Manuel Blanco, the owner of a travel agency, who also served as a tour guide. Gabrielle comes across as honest and sincere. Part of the story Gabrielle reveals is that she is not a lone victim. The filmmakers include a half dozen other women, all who tell similar stories. What makes Gabrielle stand out is her fearless pursuit for accountability.
Besides the personal commentary from Gabrielle and interviews with other victims, the series relies heavily on reenactments. Some purists find reenactments a distraction, but when done correctly, as was done here, they complement the storytelling. You can talk about a man and two women exiting a bathroom after being caught in the shower but showing the same scene with the feet of the two women and the one male walking out of the bathroom, brings that scene alive without it also being obtrusive.
All of the reenactments have that fuzzy, dreamlike quality where the images support the narrative without everything being in focus. You don’t see identifiable characteristics. What you see are body parts, blurred facial images, and scenes as seen from above.
I was invested in the story as soon as Gabrielle started telling it. She does so in a conversational manner. When she finally makes the decision to go after her alleged rapist, you’re rooting for her and the other victims. You want justice.
Besides the facts of the alleged rape and the subsequent trial, there is an underlying story about the effect that such an act can have on young women like Gabrielle and the others. Another storyline is the possibility that Manuel may have also been guilty of murder.
This docuseries is available on Netflix.