Spoiler-Free Review of “Alba” on Netflix: An Emotional, but Important Watch

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“You can’t truly live if you’re afraid…”

Alba released on Netflix on July 14th 2022. All thirteen episodes are available to stream now. The Spanish crime drama series (based on the Turkish series Fatmagül) stars Elena Rivera, Eric Masip, Pol Hermoso, Caterina Mengs, and Adriana Ozores. Each episode runs for approximately 52-60 minutes.

A young woman wakes up with no memory of the night before, only to discover that she has been raped. She later discovers that the men responsible are her boyfriend’s best friends.

Here is the trailer:

Alba tells a compelling and heartbreaking story of a woman’s search for the brutal truth as she deals with setbacks and betrayals along the way. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A powerful story…

This series was difficult to watch because of the content, but it was also so gripping and important. In a lot of ways, it reminded me of Unbelievable and Lies and Deceit. I think it was a brilliant decision to have the show focus on Alba’s journey after the horrific event.

She had to constantly tell her story over and over again to people who doubted her, trying to prove herself in a world that was so against her at times. It made her story that much more compelling. You wanted to see her get justice for everything, but you also knew that she would never really be free from all of this, which was incredibly heartbreaking.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Elena Rivera gave an incredible performance.

She was so moving and incredible to watch on screen. My heart went out to her and every single time she reacted to something, it just felt so real. I didn’t feel like I was watching someone act in a show. It was more organic and genuine, which was important because this series focused on the aftermath of a crime that affects so many on a daily basis. 

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A lot to take in…

There was a lot of emotional and sensitive content so viewers should be aware of that. I couldn’t easily binge-watch this one because it was so heavy and draining at times. I had to watch just a few episodes a day. I personally felt like the episodes were way too long and weighed down by some of the soapy fluff that was unneeded. These moments took away from the real story which was gripping enough on its own. It didn’t need all of this extra stuff and I think it severely impacted the pacing.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

Alba told an important and relevant story. The ending was satisfying and the performances were outstanding, but it definitely had some pacing issues.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Alba in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Lies and Deceit” on Netflix: Engrossing and Intense

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“I’m not imagining it…”

Lies and Deceit (Mentiras) released on Netflix on March 4th 2022 with all six episodes available to stream now. The Spanish drama-thriller series stars Ángela Cremonte, Javier Rey, Itziar Atienza and Manuela Velasco. Each episode runs for approximately 48-50 minutes.

A teacher accuses a surgeon of date rape while he denies the allegations, causing both of their lives to spiral out of control.

Lies and Deceit will remind you very much of Netflix’s Unbelievable. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A gripping story…

I was pulled in right away on this one. The story was emotional and powerful. The series also did a good job of keeping the audience guessing. It was hard to know who to believe at first and as the story continued, I was completely captivated by what I was watching.

A satisfying ending.

I thought that this series really built up to some extremely intense moments. At one point I was yelling at my screen because I was so involved. Series like these often have trouble with the ending and I was left completely satisfied with this one. I think it wrapped everything up and it answered the questions I had.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Heavy and slow at times…

Much like Unbelievable, this series centers around sensitive content. At times, it was emotionally draining and I needed to be in the right state of mind while watching this. I also thought the side plot was not really necessary. It took away from the main one and it also made the episodes last longer than they needed to. I think that the series built enough momentum to keep me invested until the end and I had to see what happened, but it needed a few minor pacing tweaks.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!

Lies and Deceit told an important and gripping story. It kept me glued to the screen the entire time, leading up to a satisfying conclusion.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Lies and Deceit in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!