Netflix’s Spanish-language political thriller She Walks in Darkness (Un Fantasma en La Batalla) has captivated viewers with its intense portrayal of espionage, loyalty, and political turmoil. Directed and written by Agustín Díaz Yanes, the film follows Amaia, a courageous undercover officer from Spain’s Civil Guard, who is assigned to infiltrate the infamous separatist group ETA during the violent decades of the 1980s and 1990s.
The movie paints a vivid picture of Spain’s struggle against terrorism during a time when ETA — Euskadi ta Askatasuna — launched a series of deadly attacks across Spain and France. Although She Walks in Darkness tells a fictional story, it draws heavily from real historical events and the country’s fraught political climate. ETA, founded in 1959, sought Basque independence and was responsible for hundreds of deaths before disbanding in 2018. The group’s grip on Spain’s society, combined with the government’s counterterrorism measures, forms the tense backdrop of Amaia’s mission.
In the narrative, Amaia assumes a new identity to gain the trust of ETA members. Her undercover work exposes her to extreme danger and moral conflict as she grows emotionally involved with people she is meant to betray. Through her journey, the film not only examines political extremism but also highlights the psychological toll faced by those working in secrecy for their nation’s safety.
While Amaia’s character isn’t based on a single real-life individual, she serves as a symbolic reflection of the countless undercover operatives who risked their lives to protect Spain during one of its darkest chapters. The opening credits and narrative references to ETA’s violent acts anchor the story in the reality of Spain’s turbulent past.
By blending fact and fiction, She Walks in Darkness mirrors the complex intersection between duty, identity, and personal sacrifice. It doesn’t glorify either side of the conflict but instead underscores the human cost of political violence. The film also subtly honors the bravery of those who worked behind the scenes — often at great personal risk — to restore peace.
From an entertainment standpoint, the movie succeeds in combining suspense with historical depth, offering a haunting reminder of how far-reaching the effects of ideological wars can be.
She Walks in Darkness is streaming now on Netflix.
