The Good Boss

Julio Blanco runs Basculas Blanco, a family owned factory that makes industrial scales in a quiet provincial town. With a crucial visit from a local Business Excellence committee looming, every detail has to look flawless. Blanco drags his team through back to work fixes, patching holes, smoothing ruffled feathers, and bending rules to shield the company’s image. The clock ticks as engineers, line workers, and managers clash over how far is too far in the name of efficiency. The pressure exposes the thin line between leadership and coercion, forcing Blanco to confront what he is willing to sacrifice to keep his empire intact and respected.

Directed by Fernando Leon de Aranoa, The Good Boss is anchored by Javier Bardem in the lead role. Released in 2021, the film features a supporting cast including Manolo Solo, Almudena Amor, and Oscar de la Fuente.

Critics and industry observers noted the film and Bardem's performance, leading to nominations at Spain's major awards circuit. The Good Boss earned praise for its sharp satire of corporate life and the moral price paid by those who wield power on the shop floor and in the office. The nominations underscore Bardem's fearless portrayal of a man who values control over compassion, and the film's sharp satire resonates with audiences and critics alike.

Though set in a specific place and time, the movie speaks to a universal anxiety about appearances and control. It sparked conversations about ethics at work and the cost of pursuing prestige, with many recalling real life headlines about corporate culture. Its resonance abroad shows up in festival conversations and streaming discussions, reinforcing the film as a pointed critique about power and image management.

Reviewers converge on a darkly comic tone that exposes greed and vanity without losing humanity. The film argues that success depends on human relationships as much as numbers, offering a compact meditation on authority, loyalty, and the price of keeping up appearances. Audiences also noted the balance of humor and moral tension, with no easy answers but plenty to think about after the credits.