Under Her Control 2022

Beatriz, portrayed by Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, is a woman who has achieved professional success, yet finds herself yearning for the one thing she does not have—a baby. In contrast, her new assistant, Sofía, played by Cumelen Sanz, is navigating the complications of an unplanned pregnancy while desiring to terminate it, all while trying to build her own career in Madrid, where she has just completed her master’s degree and an MBA.

The narrative begins as Sofía interviews for a job with Beatriz, who is impressed by her confidence and talents, offering her a role on the spot. Their dynamic is complicated by the fact that Sofía is hiding her pregnancy, which she has yet to reveal to her boyfriend, Nacho—depicted by Alex Pastrana. While Nacho dreams of moving in together and taking the next steps in their relationship, Sofía grapples with her ambitions as well as her complicated emotions over her pregnancy.

When Beatriz discovers Sofía’s condition through a bout of sickness at work, her initial annoyance transforms into a manipulative opportunity. Shortly thereafter, she proposes an illegal surrogacy arrangement, offering to care for all expenses while making clear that she wishes for the arrangement to remain a secret. As Sofía contemplates this drastic decision, she skillfully negotiates her terms, demanding a doubled financial offer along with yearly trips back to Argentina.

Moving into Beatriz’s home, which is equipped with surveillance cameras that leave her feeling exposed, Sofía becomes increasingly uncomfortable as Beatriz’s controlling nature reveals itself. Tensions build as Sofía finds a locked nursery and realizes this arrangement is not just about carrying a baby; it reveals a deeper extent of Beatriz’s obsessive desires. Despite her growing unease with the situation, she maintains contact with Nacho under the guise of being in London for work.

Beatriz’s paranoia intensifies, leading her to dictate every aspect of Sofía’s life, from her diet to her physical activity. The matter further escalates when Beatriz’s overbearing control drives her to dangerous measures, including intimidating Sofia into submission and ultimately drugging her to ensure her compliance.

Sofia’s emotional turmoil peaks when she learns that Beatriz is willing to go to extreme lengths—including murder—to ensure her ownership of the baby. In a shocking turn of events, it is revealed that Beatriz has even killed Nacho to prevent complications from arising that could jeopardize her plans. Faced with the horrifying realization that her life is in jeopardy, Sofia confronts Beatriz, culminating in a terrifying struggle for survival.

As tensions boil, the climax erupts in a fight that leaves Beatriz gravely injured, with Sofia escaping just as her water breaks. The film leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, questioning whether Sofia can reach safety and ensure the survival of herself and her child amidst the chaos of abandonment and betrayal.