Ever been tasked with assassinating the person you’ve fallen for? Probably not (and for good reason!), but that’s the central premise of “The Gardener,” a Spanish thriller series blooming on Netflix today.
Starring Álvaro Rico, Cecilia Suárez, and Catalina Sopelana, “The Gardener” is the brainchild of creator Miguel Sáez Carral. It’s a blend of romance, suspense, and one seriously manipulative mother.
The Plot Thickens
“The Gardener” unfolds in the seemingly tranquil setting of a gardening center, overseen by Elmer’s controlling mother, La China Jurado (Cecilia Suárez). However, beneath the vibrant flora and meticulously manicured gardens lies a sinister operation: the nursery serves as a front for a thriving assassination-for-hire business.
Elmer’s emotional detachment, a result of a youthful accident, makes him the perfect operative for his mother’s deadly schemes. Killing comes easily to him, a chilling advantage in their clandestine trade. The carefully constructed facade begins to crumble when Elmer is assigned to eliminate Violeta, a kindergarten teacher whose captivating presence unexpectedly penetrates his emotional defenses. This sets off a dangerous chain reaction, not only between Elmer and his intended target, but also between Elmer and his fiercely protective mother.
The Cast Shines
Álvaro Rico delivers a nuanced performance as Elmer, showcasing his initial coldness with underlying hints of emotional vulnerability. His transformation from a seemingly heartless killer to a man grappling with love and empathy forms the central narrative arc of the series. The show delves into his internal conflict as he navigates his newfound feelings for Violeta while still bound by deep-seated obedience to his mother and the violent nature of his profession. Rico, previously known for his role in “Élite,” demonstrates a different facet of his acting abilities here.
Cecilia Suárez is compelling as La China Jurado, skillfully embodying the manipulative and fiercely protective matriarch of the criminal enterprise. Her possessive relationship with Elmer adds a disturbing yet fascinating layer to the series. Suárez portrays La China with a chilling combination of maternal affection and ruthless ambition, establishing her as a formidable antagonist determined to eliminate any threat to her control, especially Violeta.
As Violeta, Catalina Sopelana brings charm and innocence to the character of the unsuspecting target who captures Elmer’s heart.
The series also features a strong supporting cast including Iván Massagué, Emma Suárez, Javier Morgade, María Vázquez, Esteban Roel, Isabel Garrido, Francis Lorenzo, and Candela Solé.
Overall
“The Gardener” is a romantic thriller anchored by Cecilia Suárez’s commanding performance; she rules and manipulates the series as much as she does her son. It’s the most compelling role, driving the narrative and lending a unique flair to this Spanish production, which boasts a solid and intriguing storyline with the potential for original development.
However, “The Gardener” never fully commits to being either a pure thriller or a classic romance, and it constantly plays with this ambiguity. It bravely takes risks, particularly in exploring the mother-son relationship, where the mother faces emotional losses, yet ultimately provides the story’s most compelling element.
“The Gardener” unfolds at a deliberate pace, taking its time to develop what truly matters: the characters. Don’t expect a whirlwind of Hollywood-style assassinations and intrigue; “The Gardener” is more of a character-driven psychological thriller that unsettles, captivates, and evokes emotions. It straddles genres without firmly settling into either.
Whether this is a flaw or not, “The Gardener” skillfully navigates this ambiguity, telling its peculiar story in an engaging and relatable way.
Enjoy!
Where to Watch “The Gardener”
