This New Spanish Detective Thriller With 100% on RT Just Blew up Netflix's Top 5
This is a story not only about crime and punishment, but also about collective memory and social retribution.
Netflix's new Spanish detective series, City of Shadows, invites viewers to delve into the investigation of a series of brutal murders and the soul of Barcelona itself.
Based on the best-selling novel by Catalan author Aro Sáinz de la Maza, director Jorge Torregrossa's project is a complex blend of thriller, psychological drama, and social commentary.
What Is 'City of Shadows' About?
In October 2010, a horrific crime occurred in Barcelona when an influential businessman was burned alive on the balcony of Gaudí's famous Casa Milà.
The investigation was entrusted to two detectives: Milo, teetering on the brink of a nervous breakdown after a personal tragedy, and his new partner, profiler Rebeca, who came to the city to escape her own grief.
Soon, more murders occur, each targeting a different iconic building designed by the Catalan genius. The killer leaves behind a mysterious "G" and seems to be punishing corrupt members of the city's elite.
'City of Shadows' Is a Tense Detective Thriller with a Social Subtext
Beneath the surface of this detective story about capturing a serial killer lies a poignant social commentary.
The creators of City of Shadows weave footage of large-scale construction projects and rebuilt neighborhoods into the plot. This recalls how preparations for the Olympic Games transformed Barcelona, leaving thousands of ordinary residents homeless.
Thus, the thriller becomes an exploration of the profound conflict between the authorities and the people, and between the city's beautiful facade and the corruption hidden beneath it.
Milo and Rebeca Are Well-Written Main Characters Who Are Easy to Sympathize With
Milo and Rebecca are not superheroes, but rather, they are traumatized and vulnerable individuals. Milo struggles with inherited mental health issues and feelings of guilt over his nephew's death, while Rebeca is trying to overcome the grief of losing her mother.
They begin their partnership with caution, but it gradually develops into a strong alliance based on mutual understanding and support. They make mistakes, reach dead ends, and must sift through tons of archival dust to advance their investigation.
It is their humanity, inner demons, and attempts to overcome them that make viewers genuinely root for them.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'City of Shadows'?
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City of Shadows has 100% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 6.6/10.
