Exclusive: Leonel Vieira, Director of Hit HBO Max Thriller 'The Scream,' Discusses Creating Suspense, Financing, and Collaborating Across Portugal-Spain Border

The Portuguese thriller series The Scream (O Grito), directed and produced by Leonel Vieira, has rapidly become a standout in Portugals expanding drama landscape. Created by Lisbon-based Volf Entertainment alongside public broadcaster RTP, the eight-episode series premiered this fall on HBO Max in Portugal and Spain, where it quickly ranked among the platforms top locally produced titles. Beginning December 8, it transitions to free-to-air broadcasting on RTP1 and RTP Play in weekly primetime.

Set within Portugals contemporary educational system, the narrative centers on the tragic suicide of dedicated high-school teacher Vitria Neves, portrayed by Daniela Ruah. Her sister Sofia, a London-based visual artist played by Sara Matos, returns home determined to understand what truly happened. As Sofia retraces Vitrias final months, she uncovers deep emotional fractures both at home and within the school environment.

Unfolding across two intertwined timelines Sofias investigation and flashbacks to Vitrias life the series blends suspense and mystery while addressing mental health, burnout and the often unseen pressures faced by public-sector workers. Rather than leaning into dark realism, the show takes an emotional-thriller approach, using cliffhangers, shifting perspectives and a bright visual palette to maintain tension while inviting wide-audience reflection.

For Vieira, one of Portugals most commercially successful filmmakers, the project aligns with his long-term goal of combining mainstream storytelling with internationally appealing production values. His career spans nearly 40 film and television projects across collaborations with Brazil, Spain, France and the U.S., including award-winning drama The Crime of Father Amaro and Prime Video hit Sr. Rui.

Supported by Quadrantis Capital through an entertainment-focused investment fund, Volf Entertainment is quickly becoming a high-output studio with global ambitions. Alongside The Scream, its 2025 lineup includes theatrical success O Ptio da Saudade, the HBO MaxRTP thriller Favritx and a new SkyShowtime Spain co-production with Nadie Es Perfecto, where Vieira serves as showrunner, co-writer and director.

Suspense as the Engine of the Series

Vieira emphasizes that the shows suspense is directly rooted in the characters emotional conflicts. Through silence, subtle gestures and withheld information, the story cultivates a constant sense that something is unresolved. This tension allows viewers to engage deeply with the psychological complexity surrounding Vitrias final months.

Non-Linear Structure and Time Jumps

The series use of shifting timelines beginning with scenes set in 2008 before jumping forward was deliberately constructed to encourage viewers to piece together the narrative themselves. This puzzle-like structure heightens curiosity and reinforces the overall mystery.

Exploring Authority and Human Behavior

As the episodes progress, the series examines how authority is exercised and misused both in schools and within families. Vieira notes that rather than labeling characters as simply good or bad, the series seeks to reveal the motivations behind their actions.

Partnership With HBO Max and RTP

HBO Max acquired SVOD rights for Portugal and Spain after reviewing the scripts early in development. RTP, a long-time collaborator for Vieira, secured free-to-air rights. The production also benefited from Portugals cash rebate program and support from the Oeiras City Council, giving Volf Entertainment ownership of international marketing rights.

Volf Entertainments Growth Strategy

According to Vieira, backing from Quadrantis Capital provides financial stability and the ability to scale internationally. The company aims to position itself as a global content producer through new partnerships and expanding development.

Strategic Casting

Pairing Sara Matos with Daniela Ruah offered both strong local recognition and international visibility. Vieira highlights that their emotional chemistry as sisters anchors the series dramatic core.

Measuring Success

Although internal platform data is not available to the team, HBO Max has provided consistently positive feedback. The Scream remained in Portugals Top 5 throughout its rollout, while Spanish viewers recognized it as a must-see title. These results have already opened financing opportunities for future projects.

The PortugalSpain Production Axis

Vieira believes that successful co-productions between Portugal and Spain must begin with scripts that organically reflect both cultures. He sees growing collaboration across the Iberian industry as a significant opportunity to expand funding, widen audiences and raise production quality on both sides of the border.

Author: Natalie Monroe