Javier Bardem is a boss… 

The first international trailer has been released for the 52-year-old Spanish Oscar-winning actor’s workplace comedy The Good Boss.

Produced by Reposado P.C. and The Mediapro Studio, the offbeat and ironic film is directed by Fernando León de Aranoa. It’s one of this year’s most highly anticipated titles set to premiere at the San Sebastián Film Festival, and was selected this week as one of three finalists for Spain’s International Feature Film Oscar submission.

Buzz around the film has been building since it was announced two years ago, and with overwhelmingly positive word of mouth spreading after several Spanish press screenings, the film is sure to make an impact in competition at the Basque festival.

The Good Boss takes place in and around the Blancos Básculas factory, where all things must be in balance at all times. After all, they manufacture scales of all shapes and sizes. There, the seemingly benevolent boss, Bardem’s Blanco, is preparing his workforce for an upcoming inspection by a group visiting local businesses to select one for a prestigious prize.

Tensions begin to mount, however, when recently fired employee Jose shows up with his two children and begins making demands for the reinstatement of his employment. When Blanco’s management team refuses, the employee begins a one man crusade to discredit Blanco and prevent him from winning the much-coveted award.

In the trailer, we see the genesis of the conflict between Blanco and a disgruntled former employee who makes camp just outside the factory’s gates, importantly, on public property. We are also introduced to Miralles, a long-time friend and employee of Blanco’s whose personal problems are negatively affecting his work performance, giving an idea of how far Blanco is willing to go to support those close to him, but also the limit of his patience.

Blanco’s wandering eyes and sometimes poor decision making are similarly on display, as he is introduced to an attractive young intern who joins the factory’s marketing department. His incredible capabilities in staying calm under pressure are also demonstrated, with one or two teases of what happens when that calm finally breaks.

The film will have its world premiere on September 21 at the San Sebastian Film Festival before its Spanish theatrical premiere on October 15, distributed by Tripictures.