A new thriller series has now landed onNetflix, quickly finding success and entering the streamer’s top 10. Likened to such classic thriller shows asDexter,The Gardenerfollows Elmer who, after an accident, becomes incapable of feeling. Using this to her financial advantage, Elmer’s mother grooms him into becoming a hitman. But problems arise when he falls for his next victim…
The Gardenerdebuted on Netflix at the end of last week, and has now taken the #1 spot globally, as well as landing at #3 in the United States. This puts it alongside other big streaming hits such as the medical dramaPulse, the phenomenon that isAdolescence, andthe latest series ofBlack Mirror.
14 Best TV Thrillers To Binge on Netflix
Just as thriller movies need to keep you engaged, so do thriller TV shows, and Netflix is streaming some of the best.
Created by Miguel Sáez Carral,The Gardener(El jardinero)is a romantic thrillerstarring Álvaro Rico (Elite) as Elmer. Cecilia Suárez (The House of Flowers) as La China Jurado, Elmer’s mom, and Catalina Sopelana (Sky Rojo, Entrevías) as Violeta. The rest of the cast includes Emma Suárez (Intimacy), María Vázquez (Eye for an Eye, 2019), and Francis Lorenzo (La Caza: Monteperdido). All six episodes ofThe Gardenerare now streaming on Netflix, and you’re able to check out the official synopsis below.
“The Gardener tells the story of Elmer and his controlling mother, La China Jurado, who runs a garden center that hides another thriving underground murder-for-hire business. Killing is easy for Elmer. An accident has left him emotionless. However, while planning the murder of Violet, a charming nursery school teacher, he falls in love with her. Elmer must learn to love while his mother does everything she can to end Violet’s life.”
‘The Gardener’ Is Perfect for Fans of Netflix’s Other Original Thrillers
Thecomparisons to the likes of Dexter Morganare clear, with both characters harboring the ability to kill and being guided to do so by their parents. However, where they greatly differ is in intent, with Dexter aiming his blade at other evildoers while Elmer is used by his mother to kill indiscriminately. Still, for anyone looking for a similar show, or just one about a hitman gardener,The Gardenershould certainly scratch that itch.
The first reviews forThe Gardenerhave begun to emerge, and they’re a little mixed. Joel Keller of Decider said of the series, “While there are a lot of absurd elements inThe 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.” Karina “ScreamQueen” Adelgaard of Heaven of Horror was hoping for more, adding, “I’m afraid I must admit I expected something more (or just different) than whatThe Gardenerdelivers, so this affects my overall impression. Check it out on Netflix now, and watch with an open mind. Maybe you’ll have more fun with it than I did.”
Finally, Mary Kassel of Screen Rant felt thatThe Gardenerwould have worked “better as a moviethan a show,” but did add that fans of Netflix’s other original thrillers and melodramas “will have no trouble diving into the streamer’s latest TV crime drama.” concluding,
Source:Decider,Heaven of Horror,Screen Rant
The Gardener
