Netflix's new scripted series, 'Under Siege' (originally titled 'Palacio'), offers a dramatic retelling of the 1985 Palace of Justice siege in Bogotá, Colombia. The two-day event, orchestrated by the guerrilla group M-19, resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, including several Supreme Court justices.
The series, created by Natalia Santa and Mariana Berenguer, delves into the historical incident, which began on November 6-7, 1985. It fictionalizes certain characters and events while grounding the narrative in research and interviews with survivors. The show aims to examine the siege and its decades-long aftermath through various viewpoints, refraining from assigning blame to any single party.
'Under Siege' introduces viewers to characters such as Memo and Mona, who meet at the Palace of Justice two months before the siege, with Memo scouting the building for M-19. The series also follows TV journalist Olga Behar as she investigates the government's response to M-19's threats, and Jimmy Beltrán, a waiter at the Palace cafe trying to save money for his family.
The narrative structure in later episodes shifts between the siege itself and the subsequent 20 years of repercussions, a complexity that may resonate most strongly with those familiar with Colombia's political history. For viewers less acquainted with the period and the political environment that fueled M-19's actions, the series' multi-layered approach could prove confusing without prior context.
Stream It Or Skip It recommends viewers research the 1985 Palace of Justice siege before watching the series to enhance their understanding and viewing experience. The review notes that the performances of Natalia Reyes as Pilar, Luna Baxter as Olga, and Mariana Gómez as Mona are particularly noteworthy, as the story is structured around these three female protagonists.