The Weight of the Past: A Conviction That Returns
At the heart of ‘The Long Shadows’, a disturbing thriller, lies a dark secret that torments its protagonists. A tragic event from the past has left an indelible mark on their lives, threatening to unravel the fragile balance they have built.
The discovery of the remains of a missing high school classmate during an end-of-year trip shatters the illusion of peace and security. Twenty-five years later, the women are forced to confront the ghosts that have haunted their dreams for so long.
Director Clara Roquet, known for her sensitivity and exploration of profound themes, states: ‘The past is a condemnation if you don’t dare to look at it head-on, if you don’t bring the ghosts to light. Guilt is condemnation, and guilt is healed by talking.’
Breaking the Silence: Healing Through Communication
Roquet attributes the lack of communication in our society to a restrictive and repressive value system. ‘The problem is our education, the patriarchal, Judeo-Christian and repressive value system,’ she states flatly.
The stellar cast of ‘Las Largas Sombras’, headed by Elena Anaya, Belén Cuesta, Irene Escolar and Marta Etura, embodies women who fight to free themselves from the chains of the past. Through its intertwined stories, the series highlights the transformative power of friendship and the healing that comes from sharing your burdens.
Roquet firmly believes that ‘the only way to heal trauma is to put light in the darkness’, and his series is a testament to the importance of breaking the silence and talking about the wounds that have marked us.
The Thriller as a Canvas to Explore the Human Psyche
Although ‘The Long Shadows’ is presented as a thriller, Roquet sees it as a vehicle to explore the complexities of the human psyche. ‘The thriller is a structure, a container, and what matters is what you put inside it,’ he says.
The thriller genre allows Roquet to delve into the traumas of his characters, revealing the hidden layers of their personalities and the motivations that drive their actions.
Roquet skillfully uses progressive revelations, a characteristic thriller technique, to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the mystery that surrounds the protagonists.
The Art of Collaboration: Screenwriters and Actors in Tune
Roquet recognizes the importance of collaboration between writers and actors in creating compelling characters. ‘Everything that happens to that character has to be consistent with the character’s nature,’ he explains.
The actors of ‘The Long Shadows’ brought their own ingenuity and creativity to the characters, enriching their depth and making them more identifiable to the audience.
Roquet highlights the role of actors in the construction of characters: ‘Good actors, like the actresses in the series or Hovik, bring more interesting things to the character.’
The Legacy of Education: Training Screenwriters in Spain
Roquet advocates a positive education that encourages creativity and critical thinking among Spanish screenwriters. ‘I want to send a positive message, there are already enough negative messages,’ he says.
It recognizes the need for syndication among Spanish screenwriters, following the example of their American counterparts. ‘It is a good time to be a screenwriter in Spain because Ibero-American fiction is at a great moment,’ he says.
Roquet encourages screenwriters to defend their rights and demand a more fair and equitable industry that values their work.
Beyond Comparisons: ‘Long Shadows’ on Its Own Terms
Roquet is not afraid of comparisons with other successful series, such as ‘Big Little Lies’, but highlights the unique qualities of ‘The Long Shadows’.
While both series share a female cast and an exploration of middle-aged themes, Roquet emphasizes that ‘The Long Shadows’ is distinguished by its focus on trauma and healing.
The director sees the comparisons as a testament to the dearth of thrillers starring women, an issue she hopes her series will help address.
