Torrente President: political satire or tasteless dross

Torrente President: Santiago Segura's new installment divides audiences

Released in 2026, 'Torrente Presidente' has hit cinemas and streaming platforms such as Netflix, sparking a debate as intense as it is polarized. The fifth installment of the saga places the legendary character in the Spanish prime minister's office, a premise that some see as sharp political satire and others as a rehash of crude, aimless jokes.

A parody that spares no one?

Those who defend the film highlight its ability to mock all sides: from the parody of the 'PAPE' party to the appearance of an American actor (Kevin Spacey) who, according to comments, was subjected to a 'meetoized' treatment over his sensual orientation. The caricature of Pedro Sánchez has also drawn attention for its accuracy. For some, it is an exercise in boundary-pushing humor that exposes the hypocrisy of political correctness.

Criticism: from 'turkey' to 'proge dross'

At the other extreme, there are those who call it the worst installment of the saga, second only in bad quality to the third and fourth. Critics say it piles up disconnected gags and that the humor has lost its original spark. Some accuse it of being 'proge crap' for ridiculing the 'patriotic Paco', while others see exactly the opposite: that it bows to the establishment to avoid offending the industry. The confusion reflects today's polarization.

From cinema to torrent: audiences refuse to pay

A majority trend is to skip the cinema, whether out of distrust of Spanish cinema, direct piracy, or waiting for streaming. The phrase 'I'll download it from torrent' comes up again and again. Even among those who watch it, few go to the theater: they watch it online, through links or platforms. Netflix has been the main route for many.

Despite the criticism, the film has found a niche of viewers who champion it as a product that 'spares no one', especially in its final stretch. With society out-absurding fiction, 'Torrente Presidente' stands as an uncomfortable mirror. The question remains open: is it a deliberate attempt at political incorrectness or simply bad cinema?