In reality, Juan seeks to keep channels of communication alive with the other guards and an incoming GEO team, who are preparing to storm the prison.

Malamadre discovers that Basque terrorists associated with ETA are being held in the prison, and seeks to use them as a political bargaining chip during negotiation.

Afraid of political ramifications within the Basque Country, Spanish ministers hold back on exercising GEO interference, leaving Juan alone in the prison.

The authorities respond with a list of four names; infuriated, Malamadre decide to kill one of the ETA prisoners.

Apache, an inmate close to Malamadre, learns the truth about Juan after contacting a friend in the police through a smuggled cell phone.

Malamadre receives a call from the police negotiator, who gives him Juan's employment records, confirming Utrilla's claim, and asks him to work with them in exchange for release.

The screenplay was adapted from the homonymous novel by Francisco Pérez Gandul [es] set during a prison riot.

The website's critical consensus states: "A uniquely sharp, well-acted prison drama, Cell 211 avoids exploitative thrills in favor of expertly ratcheted tension.

[8] An artistic success, the film won eight Goya Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Luis Tosar) and Best Adapted Screenplay.