Cronos film dramatizes 2017 Barcelona terrorist attacks

Director Fernando González Molina has released ‘Cronos’, a film based on the real-life terrorist attacks that occurred in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, on August 17, 2017. The production follows the investigation led by the Mossos d’Esquadra, utilizing the ‘Cronos’ emergency protocol that was activated for the first and only time following the incident.

The film depicts the timeline of the events, beginning with an explosion in Alcanar, Tarragona, which was initially reported as an accident involving butane canisters but was later linked to the preparation of explosives by a terrorist cell. This was followed by the mass vehicle attack in Las Ramblas, which resulted in 16 deaths and 130 injuries.

Through the perspectives of key figures—including a rapid response chief, a sergeant from Ripoll, and a police press chief—the film explores the police operation, political tensions, and the lasting social impact on the town of Ripoll.