The Lesser Evil (2007 film)

The Lesser Evil (El menor de los males) is a 2007 Spanish black comedy thriller film directed by Antonio Hernández which stars Carmen Maura, Roberto Álvarez, and Verónica Echegui.

Plot
Right-wing politician Eduardo is staying in his sister's mansion in Galicia with personal secretary Ruth and bodyguards. Upon his affair with red-hot Vanesa, Eduardo suspects he is about to become blackmailed by his lover, who claims to be pregnant.

Production
The film is a Voz Audiovisual production. It was fully shot in Pontemaceira, province of A Coruña.

Release
The film premiered at the 10th Málaga Film Festival on 10 March 2007. Distributed by Filmax, it was released theatrically in Spain on 14 March 2008.

Reception
Fernando Méndez-Leite of Fotogramas rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, citing a well-supported Álvarez as the best thing about the film.

Jonathan Holland of Variety deemed the film (and "engaging riff on the ruthlessness of power as embodied in an ambitious politician") to be a decent shot at satire.

Accolades

 * rowspan = "3" align = "center" | 2007 || rowspan = "3" | 10th Málaga Film Festival || Best Screenplay || Antonio Galeano, Antonio Hernández || Won || rowspan = "3" |
 * Best Supporting Actress || Verónica Echegui || Won
 * Best Costume Design || Ruth Díaz || Won
 * rowspan = "3" align = "center" | 2009 || rowspan = "3" | 7th Mestre Mateo Awards || Best Actress || Carmen Maura || Nominated || rowspan = "3" |
 * Best Editing || Jorge Coira || Won
 * Best Sound || Carlos Mouriño || Nominated
 * }
 * rowspan = "3" align = "center" | 2009 || rowspan = "3" | 7th Mestre Mateo Awards || Best Actress || Carmen Maura || Nominated || rowspan = "3" |
 * Best Editing || Jorge Coira || Won
 * Best Sound || Carlos Mouriño || Nominated
 * }
 * Best Sound || Carlos Mouriño || Nominated
 * }