Something Is About to Happen

Something Is About to Happen (Que nadie duerma) is a 2023 Spanish-Romanian thriller drama film directed by Antonio Méndez Esparza from a screenplay by Méndez Esparza and Clara Roquet based on Juan José Millás' novel. It stars Malena Alterio alongside Aitana Sánchez-Gijón.

Plot
Set in Madrid, the plot follows Lucía, a software developer turned taxi driver who fantasizes about her life while listening to Puccini's Turandot. She ends up scheming a plan of revenge while driving in the streets of the Spanish capital.

Production
Based on Juan José Millás' novel Que nadie duerma, the screenplay was penned by Antonio Méndez Esparza alongside Clara Roquet. It was Méndez Esparza's first time working with a professional cast. Roquet described the lead character as a female version of the protagonists of Joker and Taxi Driver.

The film was produced by Aquí y Allí Films, Wanda Visión, and Que nadie duerma AIE alongside Avanpost, with participation of RTVE, Amazon, and Telemadrid and backing from ICAA, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, and Castilla-La Mancha Impulsa. Shooting locations included Usera (Madrid) and Toledo.

Release
The film world premiered at the 68th Valladolid International Film Festival (Seminci) on 22 October 2023. Distributed by Wanda Visión, it was released theatrically in Spain on 17 November 2023.

Reception
Sergi Sánchez of La Razón rated the film 3½ out of 5 stars, writing that it "builds an unusual bridge between the Spanish costumbrista drama and the cinema of Charlie Kaufman".

Javier Ocaña of El País deemed the "stupendous" film to be part of a "free, lewd and mysteryous universe" together with Staring at Strangers.

Jordi Battle Caminal of Fotogramas rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting Alterio ("carrying the film on her shoulders with admirable ease") as the best thing about the film.

Philipp Engel of Cinemanía rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, writing that it elegantly blends "neo-realism in pursuit of social justice and operatic delirium under a veneer of modernity".

Top ten lists
The film appeared on a number of critics' top ten lists of the best Spanish films of 2023:
 * 9th — El Confidencial (consensus)

Accolades

 * 2023 || 29th Forqué Awards || Best Actress in a Film || Malena Alterio || Won ||
 * rowspan = "8" | 2024 || rowspan = "3" | 11th Feroz Awards || Best Actress in a Film || Malena Alterio || Won || rowspan = "3" |
 * Best Supporting Actress in a Film || Aitana Sánchez-Gijón || Nominated
 * Best Original Soundtrack || Zeltia Montes || Nominated
 * 79th CEC Medals || Best Actress || Malena Alterio || Won ||
 * 38th Goya Awards || Best Actress || Malena Alterio || Won ||
 * rowspan = "2" | 32nd Actors and Actresses Union Awards || Best Film Actress in a Leading Role || Malena Alterio || Won || rowspan = "2" |
 * Best Film Actress in a Secondary Role || Aitana Sánchez-Gijón || Nominated
 * 11th Platino Awards || Best Actress || Malena Alterio || Nominated ||
 * }
 * 38th Goya Awards || Best Actress || Malena Alterio || Won ||
 * rowspan = "2" | 32nd Actors and Actresses Union Awards || Best Film Actress in a Leading Role || Malena Alterio || Won || rowspan = "2" |
 * Best Film Actress in a Secondary Role || Aitana Sánchez-Gijón || Nominated
 * 11th Platino Awards || Best Actress || Malena Alterio || Nominated ||
 * }
 * Best Film Actress in a Secondary Role || Aitana Sánchez-Gijón || Nominated
 * 11th Platino Awards || Best Actress || Malena Alterio || Nominated ||
 * }
 * }