Is Manuel and Clemente Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Manuel and Clemente is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Manuel and Clemente Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1986, Manuel and Clemente emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Manuel and Clemente, couple in the shower and in various scheming, try to do business with miraculous apparitions. Unlike standard genre fare, Manuel and Clemente attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Javier Palmero, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Comedy elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Manuel and Clemente features a noteworthy lineup led by Juan Jesús Valverde. Supported by the likes of Ángel de Andrés López and Manuel Collado, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Juan Jesús Valverde, Ángel de Andrés López, Manuel Collado manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1986 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Comedy space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Manuel and Clemente is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Manuel and Clemente follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 89 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Manuel and Clemente resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Comedy landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.3/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Manuel and Clemente is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Manuel and Clemente, couple in the shower and in various scheming, try to do business with miraculous apparitions. Near the Sevillian town of El Palmar de Troya, in 1968, people begin to say that the Virgin appears and the two friends take advantage of the situation. Soon a network of economic interests and credulity is created that makes it easier for Manuel and Clemente to achieve their goal: a monumental basilica, a religious order of nuns, priests and bishops of their own, and even a pope, Gregory XVII. Satire on the curious origin of the Palmarian Catholic Church and its unique founders.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Manuel and Clemente (1986) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.3/10 and strong performance metrics in the Comedy categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Juan Jesús Valverde, Ángel de Andrés López, Manuel Collado or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Manuel and Clemente is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1986. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Manuel and Clemente Online?
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FlixOléParents Guide & Age Rating
Manuel and Clemente has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.3/10, and global collection metrics, Manuel and Clemente stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1986 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manuel and Clemente movie hit or flop?
Manuel and Clemente is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.3/10 and lower collections.
Is Manuel and Clemente worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.3/10, Manuel and Clemente may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Manuel and Clemente online?
Manuel and Clemente is currently available for streaming on FlixOlé. You can also check for it on platforms like FlixOlé depending on your region.
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Synopsis
Manuel and Clemente, couple in the shower and in various scheming, try to do business with miraculous apparitions. Near the Sevillian town of El Palmar de Troya, in 1968, people begin to say that the Virgin appears and the two friends take advantage of the situation. Soon a network of economic interests and credulity is created that makes it easier for Manuel and Clemente to achieve their goal: a monumental basilica, a religious order of nuns, priests and bishops of their own, and even a pope, Gregory XVII. Satire on the curious origin of the Palmarian Catholic Church and its unique founders.