Netflix’s newest Spanish romantic thriller, The Gardener, has made a strong global debut, gaining particular traction in India. Starring Álvaro Rico, the limited series has broken into Netflix India’s weekly Top 10 list, signalling its growing popularity in the region. So, what’s fueling its success? Let’s dive in.
At the heart of The Gardener is Rico’s portrayal of Elmer—a cold, emotionless hitman shaped by a traumatic brain injury during childhood. This past trauma has stripped Elmer of guilt and feeling, turning him into a remorseless killer. However, things begin to shift when he meets Violeta, who slowly rekindles emotions he thought were long gone, reintroducing him to the experience of love.
Another key driver of the series’ appeal is the complex dynamic between Elmer and his mother, La China. While Elmer handles the dirty work, La China masterminds their operations—an elaborate assassination business disguised as an innocent garden center.
Wondering how Elmer deals with his victims? He uses poisonous plants to kill and hides the bodies in the garden, merging murder with horticulture in a uniquely unsettling way. This dark contrast between nature’s beauty and the show’s violent undertones gives The Gardener its signature aesthetic and tone.
Critics have had mixed reactions—while the acting, especially Rico’s, has been widely praised, the storyline has been called inconsistent. Still, audiences around the world seem to love it, helping the show achieve global acclaim.
Currently sitting at #10 on Netflix India’s weekly Top 10, The Gardener trails behind titles like Chhaava, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, and Dabba Cartel. But on the global stage, it’s dominating the non-English Top 10 list.
Given its rising momentum, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the show climb higher in India’s rankings in the coming weeks. Alongside Rico, the cast also features Cecilia Suárez, Catalina Sopelana, Emma Suárez, Francis Lorenzo, María Vázquez, and more.
Stream The Gardener on Netflix! Stay tuned for more updates.
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
