Berlin Review: Money Heist Prequel Has Its Highs and Lows
Berlin Review: The Netflix series stars Pedro Alonso as Berlin, Tristan Ulloa as Damian, Michelle Jenner as Keila, Begona Vargas as Cameron, Julio Pena Fernandez as Roi, Joel Sanchez as Bruce, Maria Isabel as Susi, and others. Created by Alex Pina and Esther Martinez Lobato, the Spanish series has 8 episodes.
Netflix’s Berlin Review Contains No Spoilers
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris, Berlin devises a daring plan to steal a staggering 44 million dollars worth of jewels. Amidst the heist’s high-stakes complications, the series skillfully weaves in elements of romance, showcasing the blossoming love between characters and adding an extra layer of enticement.
The 2023 Netflix series is a delightful amalgamation of a visually appealing cast, rich locations, thrilling heist sequences, and sizzling romantic affairs. However, while the series excels in many aspects, the critical element of a compelling story falls slightly short of expectations. The narrative, at times, shifts between the intensity of the heist and complex love affairs, attempting to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Yet, this narrative choice doesn’t always elevate the show to the level of some of the stellar seasons of La Casa de Papel.
Distinguishable from the Money Heist series, known for its profound philosophical dialogues, especially from the Professor, Berlin’s character is portrayed as impulsive and wild, often neglecting the consequences of his actions. This absence of weighty dialogues may leave a void in the plot, but supporting characters like Damian, Cameron, and Roi contribute depth and seriousness to the storyline. Outstanding performances by actors Tristan Ulloa, Michelle Jenner, Begona Vargas, and Julio Pena Fernandez help fill this void.
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Despite its narrative instabilities, the series dedicates ample time to delve into the backstories of supporting characters, particularly Cameron, making her a pivotal figure in the unfolding drama.
Pedro Alonso, with his magnetic screen presence, reprises the role of Berlin with unmatched charm. His ability to infuse wickedness into a morally corrupt character that remains strangely admirable is a testament to Alonso’s acting prowess. It is this charisma that led to Berlin’s character resonating so deeply with audiences in the first season of LCDP and, subsequently, inspired the making of this prequel.
Netflix’s Berlin Review: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Spanish heist series Berlin has its highs and lows, delivering an overall visual feast. For those seeking a nostalgic journey featuring not just one but several surprising characters from the sequel, the series proves to be a binge-worthy treat.
The series is now streaming on Netflix.
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