If you thought Spanish Netflix originals couldn’t get darker after Money Heist and Elite — think again. The Gardener Netflix (originally titled El Jardinero) is a six-episode psychological thriller that blends cold-blooded crime with an unexpected love story. And yes, there’s a terrifyingly controlling mother at the centre of it all.
Here’s everything you need to know before you hit play
The Gardener Netflix at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Title | The Gardener (El Jardinero) |
| Platform | Netflix (Worldwide) |
| Release Date | April 11, 2025 |
| Episodes | 6 |
| Genre | Thriller / Crime / Drama |
| Language | Spanish |
| Directors | Mikel Rueda & Rafa Montesinos |
| Writers | Miguel Sáez Carral & Isa Sánchez |
| Filming Locations | Toledo & Madrid, Spain |
| Production | DLO Producciones |
What Is The Gardener About?
At its core, this show is about a hitman who falls in love with his target — and that’s just the beginning.
Elmer runs a murder-for-hire operation hidden behind a garden centre, managed by his domineering mother, La China Jurado. After a past accident stripped him of his emotions, killing became routine. But when he’s assigned to eliminate Violeta, a cheerful nursery school teacher, something stirs. He falls for her — and suddenly, the emotionless killer has something to lose.
Now Elmer must figure out how to love while his own mother is plotting Violeta’s death. It’s No Country for Old Men meets a twisted telenovela, and it looks absolutely gripping.
Cast: Who Stars in The Gardener Netflix?
| Actor | Character | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Álvaro Rico | Elmer (hitman) | Elite (Netflix), Sky High |
| Cecilia Suárez | La China Jurado (mother) | The House of Flowers, Holy Family |
| Catalina Sopelana | Violeta (the target) | Sky Rojo, The Neighbor |
| Ivan Massagué | Supporting | — |
| Emma Suárez | Supporting | — |
| Javier Morgade | Supporting | — |
Álvaro Rico is no stranger to Netflix — fans will recognise him as Polo from Elite. Cecilia Suárez, one of Spain’s most celebrated actresses, brings the kind of menacing maternal energy that will make your skin crawl.
Why You Should Watch It
Spanish-language thrillers have consistently outperformed expectations on Netflix globally. If you loved Dark, Money Heist, or Who Killed Sara?, the psychological tension and family dysfunction in The Gardener Netflix will feel right at home. Six tight episodes means no filler — just pure escalating dread.
For more on the best international thrillers and Netflix originals worth your time, check out Technosports’ Entertainment section and our picks for the best Netflix shows to binge right now.
