Netflix Viewers Around the World Are Hooked on This New Psychological Thriller
The Spanish thriller Firebreak is taking Netflix by storm, quickly climbing to the top of the global streaming charts just days after its premiere on February 20. According to data from FlixPatrol, the film is now the most-watched movie on the platform worldwide, outperforming even major Hollywood blockbusters and proving the international appeal of Spanish-language thrillers.
Firebreak, known as Cortafuego in Spanish, follows Mara, played by Belén Cuesta, who travels to a remote family cottage with her eight-year-old daughter, Lide, to prepare the property for sale after her husband’s death.
Mara is joined by her brother-in-law, Luis, his wife Elena, and their young son Dani. What begins as a quiet farewell to a family home quickly turns into a nightmare when a massive forest fire erupts, threatening everyone’s safety.
As authorities order evacuations, Mara discovers that Lide has gone missing in the smoke-filled woods. Despite the authorities’ warnings, Mara makes a desperate decision to stay behind and search for her daughter, the film shows.
Her journey through the flames is tense and terrifying, but the fire may not be the only danger she faces, adding a psychological edge to the survival story. Critics have pointed out that Firebreak is at its best when it leans into its psychological suspense rather than focusing only on the disaster.
El PaÃs praised the way the movie mirrors Mara’s inner grief with the literal inferno around her. The film is strongest when it is dark and unpredictable, making viewers question the intentions of every character, the review stated.
Some reviews were less positive. Espinof noted that the movie’s highly stylized approach occasionally overshadows the emotional depth, and the limited cast and setting can make the pacing uneven at times.
However, the performances, especially Belén Cuesta’s, have been widely celebrated for their intensity and realism, which many critics say elevate the story. Belén Cuesta has emerged as one of Spain’s most versatile actors.
She is internationally known for her role as Manila in Money Heist and her award-winning performance in The Endless Trench. Her portrayal of Mara in Firebreak has been praised for its raw emotion and ability to carry the tension of the story.
Firebreak’s rapid success demonstrates a growing global interest in Spanish-language dramas that combine survival elements with psychological suspense. Audiences are drawn to the film’s gripping story, high stakes, and complex characters.
The movie’s mix of action, emotion, and unpredictability has made it a must-watch worldwide, showing that international viewers are eager for intense, character-driven thrillers beyond Hollywood productions.
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