A psychological thriller rooted in an urban legend
El Capricho Park in Madrid is much more than a historic garden. Surrounded by mystery and rumors about its past, this enclave serves as inspiration for The murderer of whimsthe film which has just landed on Netflix and which promises to captivate fans of national suspense.
The film, directed by Gerardo Herrero, takes as its starting point a series of crimes in the surroundings of the park, woven with artistic references and with a background that combines the legendary with the psychological. Far from being a historical reconstruction, the story digs into the mechanisms of suspicion and silence.
Maribel Verdú in an introspective role
The absolute protagonist is Maribel Verduwho plays a police inspector marked by a complex past. Her performance, contained and emotional, reinforces the disturbing tone of a story that renounces excess in favor of subtlety. This is a character that grows in intensity without the need for big speeches or superficial drama.
His work is based on the gaze, silence and constant doubt, which contribute to a dense atmosphere. As the plot progresses, the viewer is drawn into a game of clues, rumors and small revelations which are never conclusive.
A suspense more suggested than explicit
Unlike other thrillers that resort to explicit violence or fast pace, The murderer of whims Opt for a slower, more involving story. The murders, while present, are not shown in a crude manner, but rather function as pieces of a larger puzzle that the viewer must put together.
The tension is built from the setting and the psychology of the characters. The park, with its gardens and shaded paths, acquires a narrative role that goes beyond the setting: it is another character, with its own story and a disturbing aura that permeates everything.
A park that keeps more than one secret
The use of space is one of the film’s greatest achievements. The park becomes a symbol of the hidden, of what is known but not said. Every scene shot there adds layers of ambiguity to the story, creating a sense of constant menace that doesn’t need shocks to be effective.
In addition, the reference to works of art such as Goya’s engravings provides a cultural dimension that enriches the proposition without distracting it from the main plot. A duality is thus generated between the aesthetic and the disturbing, between the beauty of the environment and the horror it hides.
From the first discreet to the rediscovered phenomenon
Upon release, the film received mixed reviews. Some highlighted its aesthetic and atmosphere, while others lamented a pace that strayed from the commercial canon. However, its arrival on Netflix could mark a turning point.
This type of film finds its place on platforms when audiences are looking for deeper, calmer alternatives. Those who like dark stories, with psychological baggage and a national context, have here a perfect opportunity to discover a hidden gem of Spanish cinema.
Why watch it now?
The combination of understated performance, unique atmosphere and classic narrative approach makes The murderer of whims a different proposition in the current catalog. This is not a simple thriller: it is a sensory experience that confronts the viewer with their own suspicions.
With the guarantee of an actress like Maribel Verdú and the support of a real environment full of legend, this film positions itself as an example of how national cinema can explore the genre without renouncing its identity. If you haven’t seen it yet, Netflix is now giving you a second chance.
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