The Mess You Leave Behind

"The Mess You Leave Behind" is a nail-biting, gripping psychological thriller that debuted on Netflix in 2020. This Spanish series, known as "El desorden que dejas" in its native language, delves into a tale wrapped in mystery, suspense, and drama. Meticulously constructed, the series successfully manages to hold its viewers captive from beginning to end with its dark and engaging narrative.

The main plot of "The Mess You Leave Behind" revolves around Raquel, a literature teacher who replaces her predecessor, Viruca, who committed suicide under mysterious circumstances. Heading into a new job, in a different town, Raquel must grapple with the complexities of settling into an environment smothered with unease. However, it is not the change in professional setting alone that perturbs Raquel. She finds herself increasingly enmeshed in the murky past and secrets her predecessor has left behind, pulling her into a world where the line between the past and the present blurs, and nothing is as straightforward as it seems.

The series does a commendable job of creating a dark and forbidding environment. It does not rush to unveil the narrative, rather, it feeds the curiosity of viewers bit by bit, gradually escalating the suspense as we delve deeper into the plot. The series is set in beautiful Galicia, which, with its lush green landscapes, a constant drizzle, and old cobbled streets, adds a chillingly aesthetic backdrop to the ominous plotline.

The show keeps viewers hooked by moving its timeframe back and forth between the past and the present, effectively intermingling the lives of Raquel and Viruca, as a series of increasingly unnerving events begins to unfold around them. The stark contrast in the personalities of these two women, portrayed by the talented actresses Inma Cuesta and Bárbara Lennie respectively, makes the whole storyline even more intriguing. Raquel is portrayed as naive and increasingly paranoid, while Viruca is seen as manipulative and enigmatic, both adding a different layer of complexity to the story.

Supporting characters, including Raquel's husband Germán, Viruca's lover Iago, and students from the school, all have important roles to play, shaping and driving the plot with their own stories and secrets. Their compelling performance further augments the suspense and intensity embedded in the storyline.

"The Mess You Leave Behind" is beyond just a story of intrigue and suspense; it offers so much more. It unravels the darkness hidden behind seemingly perfect lives, the prejudices in society, and the implications of past actions on the present. While the series primarily focuses on a personal level of narrative, it also subtly explores societal issues, making it a compelling watch for audiences.

The eerie and suspenseful soundtrack of "The Mess You Leave Behind," along with its eyecatching cinematography, complements the overall ambience of the series. The constant feeling of dread and anticipation is meticulously maintained throughout the series, ensuring the viewers stay on the edge of their seats.

Directed by Carlos Montero, the creator of the acclaimed series "Elite," the show seamlessly blends elements of drama, mystery, and psychological thriller. It is not your average whodunit but a deep and twisted tale that invites you to get lost in its labyrinth of mystifying events. Although the series takes a moment to establish its grip, the escalating suspense and the compelling narrative make it worth your patience.

Netflix's "The Mess You Leave Behind" is not just an intense tale that will keep you guessing till the end; it’s also a showcase of emotions, secrets, and the complexity of human behavior. Packed with dramatic confrontations, eerie revelations, and personal conflicts, the series also depicts how the past can leave indelible marks on the present and the future, turning lives upside down.

It promises an intriguing exploration of the darker shades of human nature, layered within an absorbingly twisted plot, and is guaranteed to keep you engrossed until the very last moment. For fans of psychological thrillers and who enjoy a well-executed series with an atmospheric setting, gripping storyline, and complex characters, "The Mess You Leave Behind" is a must-watch.