First: beautiful acting from a high level. You may know Barbara Lennie - the old teacher from the movie Contratiempo where she played a completely different role. This big name in Spain has something magical in her work. She is natural down to the smallest details and knows how to create an attitude that haves something mysteries. And Inma Cuesta is an acting talent. The series is full of intrigue, plot twists and the dynamics in characters make it interesting. In terms of tension and action, it can be called more of a Mystery than a typical thriller, but it is definitely recommended!
90 Reviews
Great Thriller/Drama.
jhmoondance25 January 2022
Well......this was an intriguing intense thriller/drama centering on a young teachers obsession with a deceased teacher she replaced. It is full of suspense n tension with many twists n turns.
The acting was really good n the characters were full of charisma.
The ending was totally unexpected n unpredictable with a great twist.
I highly recommend this series especially if you like suspense n high drama.
The acting was really good n the characters were full of charisma.
The ending was totally unexpected n unpredictable with a great twist.
I highly recommend this series especially if you like suspense n high drama.
Meh..
grrossi20 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The story telling is really messy. Many things did not add up and the ending was totally unexpected but not in a good way. It was completely off and did not fit the story in anyway. The more you get through the story the more the actions of the main character do not make sense anymore.
The cheating on her husband with Mauro was completely unnecessary and did not resemble how the producers want to portrait the character in the end. In my opinion it was intended that she is portrayed as a hero but I just thought of her as a horrible person.
Was I meant to like the main characters?
gallagherkellie22 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Firstly, is it normal in Spain to only teach one class? What do they do for the other 20 hours a week?
Second, if I spoke to any of my teachers the way they do I would have been kicked out of the school! Very strange dynamics they have in this show!
All in all it was entertaining and a decent show, I just wasn't sure if I was supposed to like the main character Raquel as she was a cheater and a liar and kept hounding on her husband. The dead teacher wasn't must better either.
A little predictable also but it kept me wanting to see what happened.
After the first episode it was a 10. At the end, a 6 is the maximum I can give
folker-michaelsen10 February 2021
I loved the first episode. Interesting story, suspense and a bit of erotic, good actresses- I thought this might an amazing, atmospheric series.
But the longer the action was going on, the more the story gaps, but especially the unreasonable behaviour of the characters and the non-logical dialogues with people saying nothing without reason were annoying me.
A 10 for the idea and the start. A 2 for the execution of the later episodes and the finish - a 6 in total
A 10 for the idea and the start. A 2 for the execution of the later episodes and the finish - a 6 in total
The new standard for Spanish thrillers?
JohnM637 February 2022
I did not have a high opinion on Spanish thrillers in general untill I saw this. Very well told story of eight episodes. If you're into fast paced action thrillers, this is probably not for you. The plot developes over eight episodes, with each episode revealing just enough to keep watching and without giving it all away. Next to that great photography and the right (but sometimes a little confusing) mix of todays events and flashbacks. Dialogues could improve here and there, but that's basically my only critique. If this would become the standard for future Spanish thriller series, we're looking at a great future.
Entertaining murder mystery.
johannes2000-122 March 2022
This is basically a murder mystery, a whodunnit. In stead of a police-officer, here it's a new high school teacher who tries to unravel the strange circumstances of her highly popular predecessor's suicide. In her quest several suspects turn up, from some of the students to even her own husband, and eventually she gets more and more bewildered, doubting her own sanity and ultimately realizing that her own life is at stake. The pace is high and the story is definitely entertaining, keeping you guessing until the very end, when we at last do get a satisfying solution to all the mysteries, albeit a bit farfetched and coming out of the blue.
The acting is fine, especially Arón Piper does a great job as the troubled, ominous student Iago (he's also one of the more outstanding actors in the popular Netflix series "Elite"). Inma Cuesta as main character Raquel is as beautiful as a young Penélope Cruz, but unfortunately she has to act with every new episode more and more hysterical, what eventually got a bit on my nerves. In fact all major characters were constantly shouting and crying and yelling at each other, maybe that has something to do with the Spanish temperament, but as far as I'm concerned it could have used some tuning down. And maybe a bit of humor to counter all the heavy stuff would have been welcome too, now it was all so terribly dead serious.
The acting is fine, especially Arón Piper does a great job as the troubled, ominous student Iago (he's also one of the more outstanding actors in the popular Netflix series "Elite"). Inma Cuesta as main character Raquel is as beautiful as a young Penélope Cruz, but unfortunately she has to act with every new episode more and more hysterical, what eventually got a bit on my nerves. In fact all major characters were constantly shouting and crying and yelling at each other, maybe that has something to do with the Spanish temperament, but as far as I'm concerned it could have used some tuning down. And maybe a bit of humor to counter all the heavy stuff would have been welcome too, now it was all so terribly dead serious.
The best mini TV series of 2020.
nikospolyd12 December 2020
What a surprise from Netflix I had today. I just watched this modern crime-mystery and I'm feeling over the moon. Such a compelling story that unravels gradually and slowly and at the end you are completely thrilled with the final development/resolution of the story, its climax and its revelations! Direction is pure magic here and grabs your attention throughout the 8 episodes and reaches an absolute climax at the last 2 episodes. Although it uses the technique of flashback to some extent, the viewer NEVER gets bored and to be honest the said technique is used in a very contemporary and innovative way that adds to the film and its excitement. The artistic direction, the cast as well as the production are all of first class quality. The actors play very naturally and convincingly and the script is the strong asset of the series.
If you watched the movie "CONTRATIEMPO" some years ago and you liked its modern and refreshing approach towards the genre of modern crime/mystery, you will surely like this one too.
I had never imagined that I would say that but : thank you Netflix.
Ps: I would like to thank Spain too for its commitment to the abovementioned genre. They keep on surprising us effortlessly.
If you watched the movie "CONTRATIEMPO" some years ago and you liked its modern and refreshing approach towards the genre of modern crime/mystery, you will surely like this one too.
I had never imagined that I would say that but : thank you Netflix.
Ps: I would like to thank Spain too for its commitment to the abovementioned genre. They keep on surprising us effortlessly.
[6.6] "The mess you leave behind" - Superb title describing the series
cjonesas14 January 2022
An average series with good acting, average artificial drama-mystery flow, very good for practicing Spanish and roller-coaster ratings as far as the episodes are concerned. The parallel flashbacks and present events were also developed and presented in a messy way.
It lacks solid screenplay, twists and turn of events, logic and ending. Give that script to Swedish/Danish Noir masters and they would create a series that would keep you glued to the screen while biting your nails.
Arón Piper as Iago and Bárbara Lennie as Viruca stand out above the rest in this one. Liked their charisma and acting.
It lacks solid screenplay, twists and turn of events, logic and ending. Give that script to Swedish/Danish Noir masters and they would create a series that would keep you glued to the screen while biting your nails.
Arón Piper as Iago and Bárbara Lennie as Viruca stand out above the rest in this one. Liked their charisma and acting.
Down down downhill....
indalu5 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It was OK at first and I was willing to overlook some of the ridiculousness, but it just kept spiraling down until there was nothing left but the stupid stuff. Others have mentioned the ridiculous and completely unrealistic relationship between the teachers and the students. Then there's this whole blackmailing the new teacher into giving the same exam the dead-teacher gave. What? I could not attach to Raquel because she was so completely angst ridden, and the cause of her own misery. I also couldn't get into the mystery because of all the distractions. All the needless racing off here and there to search for clues. Showing up multiple times at dead-teacher's house. Why? So she gets to be friends with the dead-teacher's hubby but the guy destroys her house and kills her dog and it's oh-well--ho-hum. Got to rush off to find more clues. And why o why would Raquel's hubby leave the injured student on the steps of the hospital? A red herring, I guess, but totally illogical and stupid. In the final episode the film maker apparently felt the need to wrap everything up in a great big bow. So evil student who tried to kill himself in a horrific car crash and has emergency surgery for his traumatic injuries is seen 3 days later...without a scratch or Band-Aid. And Raquel who arrested in the hospital also wakes up 3 says later in perfect condition. No ill effects. Perfect hair and make-up. When next we see Raquel she has moved on to her now perfect life, having dumped her creepy class and her creepy husband. And now with straightened hair because everyone knows that straight-haired people are happier.
The Mess You Leave Behind
Tweekums31 December 2020
This series is centred on Raquel and Viruca, two literature teachers working in a small Spanish town. Raquel moves to the town with her husband, who is a local, to take up the teaching position. She didn't know that her predecessor, Viruca, had died in a presumed suicide. The more she learns the more Raquel starts to think Virura may have been murdered, possibly by somebody in her class. As the series progresses we see Raquel's story intertwined with flashbacks of the events leading to Viruca's death.
This is a somewhat mixed series; on the down side one does have to suspend one's disbelief at times... watching the series one would think there was only one class at the school and the way the students and teachers interact seems highly unlikely; it is far too casual and students get away with threatening teachers. If you can get passed those problems the central mystery is gripping and there were plenty of genuinely tense moments. As the series progresses more suspects emerge as we learn about various activities going on in the town which include affairs, sexual jealousy, shady financial dealings and drugs. The cast is solid; most noticeably Inma Cuesta and Bárbara Lennie as Raquel and Viruca. Overall I'd recommend this despite its problems; if you want a good mystery it is definitely worth watching.
These comments are based on watching the Series in Spanish with English subtitles.
This is a somewhat mixed series; on the down side one does have to suspend one's disbelief at times... watching the series one would think there was only one class at the school and the way the students and teachers interact seems highly unlikely; it is far too casual and students get away with threatening teachers. If you can get passed those problems the central mystery is gripping and there were plenty of genuinely tense moments. As the series progresses more suspects emerge as we learn about various activities going on in the town which include affairs, sexual jealousy, shady financial dealings and drugs. The cast is solid; most noticeably Inma Cuesta and Bárbara Lennie as Raquel and Viruca. Overall I'd recommend this despite its problems; if you want a good mystery it is definitely worth watching.
These comments are based on watching the Series in Spanish with English subtitles.
Main two female characters both a mess
audsnends22 December 2020
A high school or a prison?
Phantasma_the_Black15 December 2020
It started off well - teacher moving into small town, secretive citizens, family drama and a big mystery to be solved. However, it quickly falls apart, due to poorly written characters.
The students are unrealistically cruel and unbelievably brave to openly show said cruelty. They act like actual prison inmates rather than ordinary teenagers. On the other hand, all of the teachers are incredibly irrational, immature and too easily tricked into playing by student rules - begging them for mercy, sharing their most intimate secrets with random kids, getting into fist fights etc.
I thought there would be some social commentary on how all the kids' parents are rich and influential, so the school is forced to put up with their bs, but, alas, we quickly learn that at least some of the kids are from poor background. When they DO try to make a social commentary, it feels forced and flat.
By the end of the second episode, no one acts like a genuine human being (and I don't mean in the intentional "Lynchian" sense) and rather like a plot device, so it is easy to lose interest. Which is a shame - it could have easily turned out great, if they had toned it down a bit.
The students are unrealistically cruel and unbelievably brave to openly show said cruelty. They act like actual prison inmates rather than ordinary teenagers. On the other hand, all of the teachers are incredibly irrational, immature and too easily tricked into playing by student rules - begging them for mercy, sharing their most intimate secrets with random kids, getting into fist fights etc.
I thought there would be some social commentary on how all the kids' parents are rich and influential, so the school is forced to put up with their bs, but, alas, we quickly learn that at least some of the kids are from poor background. When they DO try to make a social commentary, it feels forced and flat.
By the end of the second episode, no one acts like a genuine human being (and I don't mean in the intentional "Lynchian" sense) and rather like a plot device, so it is easy to lose interest. Which is a shame - it could have easily turned out great, if they had toned it down a bit.
Tense and atmospheric with good lead performances
duncansrhodes22 January 2021
I enjoyed the glum Galician atmosphere, the performances of the two leads, their mirrored lives, and some great classroom tension between kids and professors at odds with each other. There are some interesting twists and turns, although I felt a lot of them are revealed in a rather anticlimactic way, that lacked drama. Not all of the scenes and motivations are quite credible, although the menacing theatre of a village where everyone knows everyone is a great device for creating a level of fear and distrust of the authorities that the story needs to keep going. Overall a solid show, one which I will recommend to friends, but I was left with a sense that the story had greater potential than was realised.
Good teachers overruled by students?
pablo_moriano1 January 2021
Certain scenes are OK, others are way far from really. Not a student of allowed to behave like these ones and get away with it. Galizian characters are perfectly portrayed, even Inma Cuesta"s despite she is from Andalusia, Bárbara Lennie is incredible as usual. Anyway, the plot lacks consistency and I lost interest after second episode.
Pretty good Spanish thriller.
marijdevos15 December 2020
This series deserves a higher rating than it currently has. It is a storyline with suspense, that keeps your attention. There are some not very well worked out aspects in the storylines of certain characters, but that doesn't devaluate the show too much.
I like it and couldn't stop watching. Would definitely recommend (and I'm a series snob).
And, for the Netflixers; it's a fresh change from a lot of soap opera like shows from Spain. This is better quality and more Netflix worthy.
I enjoyed the story, but not the performances
braincasualties9 January 2021
I enjoyed this mystery-drama story. I enjoyed how the storyline is not told linearly, not to confuse the viewer but to make sure we learn from the characters at the intended moment. Nice directing, nice music (despite the awful and nonsense main title which sounds "nice" but which's lyrics make absolutely no sense at all) and very beautiful and well chosen locations... but... but... man, we have way better actors/actresses in Spain! No mean to offend anybody, but I had to make great effort to ignore how unreal and forced they all sound to enjoy the story. Both literature teachers are played by somehow decent actresses, but the students? Mauro? German... man... no way. I would recommend this show, as I enjoyed it, but please don't blame me if you also find the acting mediocre (if not awful), I warned you :)
Intense until the end
Yorgos9612 December 2020
Shame this wasn't made available in Galician
xoancaos18 December 2020
Don't believe the bad reviews
jurevlasic2 April 2021
A completely mess
beppe-2186729 December 2020
I started this show with good intentions, after the first episode I already had a strange feeling, something was off. Going on become a completely mess, absolutely unrealistic, over dramatic, even acting is often very bad. An under average series.
One of the best suspense series I've seen
samduracgarcia13 December 2020
This is the first time I'll leave a comment on IMDb. I finished this series in one day. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout all the eight episodes. It's worth it to anyone who loves a good crime, mystery and suspense series. Don't let Hollywood fanatics tell you otherwise. The propaganda on leaving bad reviews for productions outside of the USA is just appalling. There are gems like this coming from all parts of the world. This time, it came from Spain.
Could have had a better ending.
duongthanhvan28 December 2020
The first few episodes were definitely intriguing, but it felt too dragged at times. The color gave off a gloomy and suspenseful vibe, which I really liked. However, the characters in this series are just too annoying. The way they acted towards each other was utterly rude and disrespectful. Especially the students, I wanted to smack them the whole time.
The ending was so lackluster aas well. I hoped someone else would be the culprit, but it was pretty obvious already. Could have easily shortened this down to 5 episodes if they cut out the unnecessary drama.
The ending was so lackluster aas well. I hoped someone else would be the culprit, but it was pretty obvious already. Could have easily shortened this down to 5 episodes if they cut out the unnecessary drama.
Hard to get past the student teacher dynamic
richard-t-champion13 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Surely students can't get away with talking to and treating teachers this way, can they? I'm only 5 minutes into the second episode and I'm not sure I can keep going. It's eating at me that much. I'll apologize if this story is a good one....and it's possible I'll keep going....but this over the top behavior portrayed by the students has me wondering why am I bothering. This can't represent reality can it?
Students calling their teacher by first name was weird
slim-4418 January 2021
Maybe in the 21st century it is done like this. I don't know. What I do know is students calling their teachers by first name took me out of the show for a few moments every time. 'Viruca!', 'Raquel!'. Maybe that is a Euro thing. Good for a one time watch. Viruca was a complex character (as are many people) and not portrayed as an angel. I liked that. 6/10
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