Netflix fans are all watching a series that has been quickly compared to hit drama You and is ‘everything’ some have been looking for in a show.
It was only added to the streaming platform’s extensive library last week but The Gardener is already earning a top spot in the streamer’s charts across multiple regions. At the time of writing it has replaced record breaking drama Adolescence in the US, placing third. While in the UK it sits fourth in the top ten most watched just behind the Stephen Graham starring series and the new season of Black Mirror.
A Spanish production, The Gardener follows Elmer, played by Álvaro Rico, who works at a garden centre run by his controlling mother. Initially, he appears completely unfazed by her many demands.
When he was a young child, a car accident seemingly left Elmer without the ability to feel emotions. This is a welcome bonus for his mother, La China Jurado, played by Cecilia Suárez, as her business is a front for a thriving underground murder-for-hire business.
Elmer’s stone-cold nature makes him the ideal assassin with their gardens the perfect spot to hide the bodies. That is, until he meets his next assigned victim, preschool teacher Violeta and somehow finds himself falling in love. As Elmer’s feelings are resuscitated, his mother does everything she can to end Violeta’s life.
While the show has not received enough reviews to earn itself a rating on website Rotten Tomatoes, it is still causing quite a stir online. One critic suggested that some viewers may need to suspend their disbelief when it comes to the narrative.
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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like You and Black Mirror.
They said: “While there are a lot of absurd elements in The Gardener, the elements are grounded enough in reality to make them seem plausible. And the more plausible this show seems, the better it will be.”
Many fans who have already binged through all six episodes were quick to compare it to another Netflix series, which is soon returning for its final outing. Quite a few claimed the show reminded them of thriller You.
One person posted online saying: “If you enjoyed You, then you will enjoy The Gardener. The series really excels when the lead character, Elmer, is in the scene. Violeta was enjoyable to watch and a good addition. The writing was fairly good with a few plot holes left open. The story is weak when it follows the detectives. They may have been miscast and just poor storyline for them. It was entertaining to watch and look forward to season 2.”
Another added: “The ending was unexpected and seems like Netflix could renew it for a new season. I was flabbergasted with the screenplay, creative aspect, and the storyline. Amazing.”
While someone else, posting their opinion on social media, claimed they were pulled in despite not being completely overwhelmed by the show. They commented: “The Gardener on Netflix is all over the place…I’m four episodes in, no choice but to finish watching the rest…Elmer & his mother are crazy as heck.”
One person shared a similar sentiment to others as they simply stated: “The Gardener on Netflix is basically just Spanish You but it’s a great watch though.”
An avid Netflix viewer said: “Have you guys heard of The Gardener on Netflix? That’s like everything I’ve been looking for in a show. Flowers AND murder?! Yes please!”
The Gardener is streaming on Netflix.
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