Crime Wave

Leyre enjoys a calm, predictable routine, secure in her place in a small circle of friends and family. When her teenage son erupts in a sudden fit of anger, she faces a choice that could trap everyone she loves. Rather than let fear or judgment drive them apart, she decides to step beyond ordinary boundaries to shield him from consequences. The strain quickly shifts their world, blending a wry sense of humor with the tense pull of crime and loyalty. What starts as a protective instinct spirals into a labyrinth of decisions that blur right and wrong. As the world tightens, Leyre questions who deserves mercy and what price her choices demand. The film invites us to question mercy's end.

Directed by Gracia Querejeta, Crime Wave is a Spanish crime comedy inspired by the work of Luis Marías. The 2018 release features a starry Spanish cast including Maribel Verdú, Antonio Resines, Luis Tosar, Juana Acosta and Paula Echevarría as well.

Box office data for Crime Wave is not publicly available, suggesting a modest or targeted release rather than a broad worldwide rollout. Some markets may have limited screenings. The film seems to have aimed at Spanish and select European audiences.

There are no widely reported awards for Crime Wave from major institutions, and its reception in awards circles remains limited. The film stands as a regional spin on crime mixed with humor, aiming to engage audiences with character dynamics and sharp dialogue through the film.

Critics have noted that the film balances satire with tense drama, using Leyre's dilemma to probe loyalty, family duty, and the cost of bending rules. The performances, especially Verdú and Tosar, anchor a story that refuses simple judgments. Verdú's performance in particular draws attention for its restraint and dry wit.