Netflix’s “The Gardener”: A Dark Journey of Affection, Mortality, and Forgiveness
Netflix keeps expanding the limits of genre storytelling with its newest international sensation, The Gardener (El Jardinero), a Spanish-language thriller that weaves together crime, love, and dark comedy into a captivating six-episode series. Debuting worldwide on April 11, 2025, the series has swiftly ascended to the #3 position on Netflix’s Top 10 TV list in the United States, falling just behind the latest season of Black Mirror and the provocative docuseries Bad Influence.
An Assassin with a Touch for Plants
The Gardener follows Elmer (portrayed by Álvaro Rico), a young man who becomes emotionally numb after enduring a harrowing car crash. He discovers comfort and direction working at his mother’s garden center — which, unbeknownst to the public, serves as a cover for a murder-for-hire scheme. Elmer’s emotional detachment renders him the ideal hitman: systematic, unemotional, and effective.
However, everything shifts when he is tasked with eliminating Violeta (Catalina Sopelana), a compassionate preschool educator. Rather than executing the hit, Elmer unexpectedly falls for her, triggering a series of events that endanger both his career and his meticulously maintained emotional distance.
Creative Team and Direction
The Gardener is the creation of Miguel Sáez Carral, known for Raising Voices, alongside co-writer Isa Sánchez, who previously contributed to the acclaimed time-travel drama The Ministry of Time. The series is helmed by Mikel Rueda (Veneno) and Rafa Montesinos (Perdida), who infuse the show with a visually rich and emotionally intricate atmosphere.
The six-episode narrative is tightly constructed, with each segment delving further into Elmer’s inner turmoil, the ethical complexities of his job, and the escalating conflict between affection and obligation. The show’s cinematography juxtaposes the tranquil beauty of garden settings with the harsh realities of contract murder, producing a distinctive aesthetic that is both haunting and lyrical.
Mixed Critical Reception
In spite of its viewer popularity, The Gardener has garnered mixed critiques from experts. ScreenRant remarks that although the series “examines some deeper issues,” it ultimately “unfolds in a conventional manner.” Decider suggests streaming the show but cautions that it includes “an abundance of absurd elements,” advising viewers to brace themselves for tonal shifts and surreal instances.
Nevertheless, the series’ original concept and strong performances — especially from Rico and Sopelana — have cultivated a dedicated fanbase. The chemistry between the main characters adds emotional resonance to an otherwise grim tale, and the exploration of trauma, identity, and forgiveness gives it surprising layers.
Why You Should Watch It
If you enjoy unconventional romances, ethically intricate characters, or international thrillers, The Gardener merits a spot on your Netflix list. It represents a daring experiment in genre fusion that proves both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The show also continues Netflix’s trend of highlighting international offerings, reaffirming that captivating storytelling knows no linguistic or geographical boundaries.
Whether you’re intrigued by the idea of a compassionate hitman or simply curious about the hype, The Gardener provides a binge-worthy blend of tension, romance, and dark humor — all set against the unforeseen backdrop of a garden center.
All six episodes of The Gardener are currently available for streaming on Netflix.
