Fans of Netflix’s diverse lineup of thrillers and drama series will find themselves intrigued by the latest crime drama, The Gardener. Featuring the talented Álvaro Rico, known for his role as Polo in ‘Elite’, the series embarks on a poignant journey through the life of Elmer, a man caught between the stark realities of love and the harshness of his chosen profession as a hitman. The narrative explores profound themes of love, pain, and moral ambiguity, yet the story often unfolds predictably, leaving little surprise for astute viewers.
Central to the plot is Elmer’s intense first love for Violeta, played by Catalina Sopelana. However, it is his almost unsettling relationship with his mother, La China (Cecilia Suárez), that captivates the audience. Following a life-altering accident that impairs Elmer’s emotional responses, La China meticulously shapes him into a lethal hitman, utilizing their gardening business as a facade for their darker activities. The series tracks their twisted mother-son dynamic amid a burgeoning criminal enterprise until Elmer’s newfound emotions complicate their lives.
The Shakespearean Tragedy at the Heart of The Gardener Struggles to Resonate
Elmer’s Emotional Journey Struggles to Resonate Amidst The Gardener’s Chaos
While the storyline entertains, some developments are overly dramatic. For instance, Elmer’s sudden return to emotional awareness is facilitated by an improbable twist, reflecting a common trope in the genre. Though I anticipated a fast-paced six-episode arc packed with unexpected reveals, the rhythm of the series felt deliberate. Even amidst the series’ violent moments, Elmer’s calm demeanor seemed to echo throughout the narrative, presenting a curious contrast to the emotional stakes.
The series embraces a tight-knit setting, featuring a limited roster of characters and locations, thereby stewing a sense of suspense that lingers through its scenes. While viewers initially see Elmer both as a lone wolf and a contrastingly romantic figure, there exists an underlying tension that, despite its potential, fails to fully engross the audience.
Violeta, portrayed as the target of Elmer’s affection, often seems one-dimensional, which diminishes the emotional stakes at play. Although her character is linked to a forthcoming revelation that could inject complexity into the narrative, the series does not delve deeply into her backstory or motivations. This lack of exploration creates a disconnect; Elmer’s infatuation with an idealized version of her works against the viewer’s understanding of her true significance.
This narrative choice resonates within a broader trend of stories featuring hitmen navigating complex emotional landscapes, yet The Gardener does not delve into the moral complexities that define this genre. It remains suspended between thriller, romance, and family drama, leaving viewers unsure of its true identity.
The Gardener Hints at a Potential Season 2, Yet Its Narrative Depth Remains Questionable
The Gardener Struggles to Maintain Tension in Season 1, Raising Questions about Season 2’s Viability
The final episode of The Gardener methodically ties up loose ends, but an unexpected twist hints at the possibility of a second season. However, the premise feels more suited to a feature film than a serialized format, which raises doubts about its future viability. The storyline falls short of delivering the shock and introspection that keeps audiences engaged and craving more content.
Despite its shortcomings, The Gardener offers enough entertainment value to keep viewers engaged, bolstered by strong performances from Rico and Suárez. Yet, for those hoping for groundbreaking narrative twists or emotional depth, the series may leave them wanting more. As The Gardener makes its debut on Netflix on April 11th, it possesses the potential to cultivate a dedicated audience, particularly among those captivated by its unique narrative blend.
The Gardener will be available for streaming on Netflix starting from April 11th.