Diego San Jose’s new series “Celeste” blends an unconventional character study with a gripping narrative, launching on September 22 at San Sebastian’s Velodrome.
Produced by Movistar Plus+ and The Mediapro Studio’s 100 Balas, with international sales managed by The Mediapro Studio Distribution, the first season introduces Sara, a dull tax investigator who is about to retire. Just as she prepares to leave her job, she is drawn into one last case: tracking down Latin pop star Celeste, rumored to be using her fame to evade taxes.
San José aims to create a thriller reminiscent of “Zodiac” or “Seven,” but with a unique twist. He intends to disrupt predictable storytelling conventions and engage a curious audience.
While he isn’t a masochist, he acknowledges a desire for change, envisioning a middle-aged woman as the center of this dark, chaotic tale that comes to play in an uninspiring tax office.
“Typically, thrillers feature protagonists with dramatic lives—cops, detectives, or troubled figures burdened by vices,” San José explained to Variety. “I found it intriguing to explore whether an exciting thriller could be made with the most mundane character in Spain.”
With Spanish actress Carmen Machi in mind for the lead role, San José drew on their previous collaboration in the hit comedy “Spanish Affair” (“Ocho apellidos vascos”). Machi’s performance earned her the Goya Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2015.
“Machi possesses the rare ability to evoke laughter and deep emotion simultaneously,” San José noted.
Before even reading the full script, Machi eagerly joined the project, trusting San José and the creative team, which includes acclaimed director Helena Trapé. “Diego is not just intelligent and witty; he has a remarkable mental agility,” Machi shared. “When he reached out to me, I immediately agreed, confident in his vision.”
Machi appreciated San José’s nuanced understanding of Sara’s character, highlighting the synergy between the male writing team and the female director. “While the series is directed by a woman, the insights into Sara’s emotional state come from a male perspective,” she reflected.
San José, who collaborated with Daniel Castro and Oriol Puig on the screenplay, emphasizes shared experiences in crafting vivid characters who confront despair and ambition. “I relate to a woman’s fears; they often mirror my own,” he said. He heavily relied on Trapé’s creative insight throughout the production, from writing to rehearsals.
The series opens with pop star Celeste, portrayed by Mexican actress Andrea Bayardo, preparing for a performance as her entourage accompanies her. Her presence, though limited in screen time, casts a long shadow over the narrative and remains elusive to Sara.
While Celeste exists on the periphery, her influence permeates the story, complicating Sara’s investigation as she seeks assistance from an intrusive paparazzo and an obsessive fan, neither of whom are sympathetic to her cause.
As Sara pursues dead-end leads, she increasingly yearns for the perceived freedom of Celeste’s extravagant lifestyle. This contrast prompts her to shed the constraints of her life, transforming into a version of herself she never thought possible.
“Sara has lost something important along the way, which the series captures beautifully,” Machi observed. “Her journey, both personally and existentially, leads her to blossom in her solitude, away from the Tax Agency.”
This solitude is expressed through minimal dialogue, the set design, and Sara’s tendency to blend into her surroundings. Sticking to a rigid routine, she finds solace in her radio and reluctantly cares for her late husband’s dog.
“We juxtapose two very different women: one grounded in education and hard work, and another, Celeste, who embodies a modern, artistic spirit focused on enjoyment and beauty,” San José explained.
Grateful for the creative freedom afforded by the production, he concluded, “We’ve taken risks to craft a narrative about a tax investigation that feels as important as a hostage rescue.”
The bold first season of “Celeste” will debut this autumn, featuring a cast that includes Antonio Durán Morris, Aixa Villagrán, Clara Sans, Jesús Noguero, and Marc Soler.