City of Shadows: An Overview
The Netflix thriller, City of Shadows, set in Spain, follows a troubled detective and his hesitant partner as they delve into a ritualistic murder in Barcelona. The series features captivating visuals of iconic landmarks, although the lead character’s mental struggles raise questions about its originality.
Opening Scene: A man, dressed in a suit, is slumped on a cell floor, crying out for water.
Crucial Details: Soon after, this man is hooded by his captors and transported in a van to the famous La Pedrera in Barcelona. There, he’s hung from a balcony, drenched in flammable liquid, and set ablaze, all of which is recorded.
Fast forward to October 2010. Detective Milo Marat (Isaac Feliz) of the Catalan police, known as the Mossos d’Esquadra, is called by Judge Susana Cabrera (Anna Wagner) to assist in the investigation. Although he’s currently suspended due to an assault incident, the shocking discovery of a construction company CEO hanged and burned on La Pedrera forces Susana to put him back on the case.
Upon his return, Milo faces resentment from his fellow detectives and is teamed up with Rebecca Garrido (Veronica Echegui), an officer from Madrid. As they look into the murder, hints about the building’s significance and its architect, Antoni Gaudí, emerge, suggesting reasons behind the particularly gruesome nature of the crime.
While dealing with the investigation, Milo must also consult a therapist, a requirement for his reinstatement. Their discussions reveal his turmoil over the recent suicide of his nephew, which lingers in his mind and seemingly ties into the incident that led to his suspension. This personal crisis also strains his marriage—he’s on a path towards divorce.
Interestingly, Milo is criticized by superiors for speculating that the murder is ritualistic, possibly tied to a serial killer. To his surprise, Rebecca subtly supports his views, despite the prevailing skepticism from their colleagues.
Comparative Insight: The script, penned by Jorge Torregrossa and based on Aro Sains de la Masa’s novel, echoes narratives found in shows like Valhalla Murder Case and The Blacklist. However, it presents itself more like a traditional episodic thriller.
Our Thoughts: Despite the show’s gripping setting, particularly the iconic Barcelona backdrop, it fails to offer much that feels fresh. A detective grapples with personal issues while solving cases, yet he faces constant pushback from his peers. Sure, the murders are unconventional, but the storyline feels somewhat familiar, tracing paths we’ve seen before.
There’s potential for deeper exploration into Milo’s psychological state amid his nephew’s tragic death, alongside his family’s history with mental illness. Yet, as more killings occur, rather than unfolding a complex investigation, the show evolves into a relentless race to prevent further abductions.
Noteworthy Performance: Veronica Echegui shines as Rebecca, portraying a steadying presence who sees value in Milo’s instincts, contrasting sharply with the doubts expressed by her superiors.
Quick Note: No explicit content to mention.
Closing Moment: Milo receives urgent news from Susana about another kidnapping of an executive.
Unsung Appeal: The diverse shots of Barcelona’s landmarks, especially La Pedrera, add a rich layer to the narrative.
Most Pilot-like Moment: The vividly staged scene of the construction executive’s fiery demise has a rather artificial quality.
Final Recommendation: I would say give City of Shadows a try. While it straddles the line between intriguing and generic, it won’t completely disappoint viewers looking for something new to stream.
