Bodies, Love, and Murder: Inside Netflix’s Dark New Thriller The Gardener
Netflix’s The Gardener: A Cold-Blooded Killer Falls in Love — And Everything Unravels
What do you get when you mix a murder-for-hire business, a gardener with no emotions, and an unexpected romance? Netflix’s new Spanish thriller The Gardener delivers exactly that — and more.
Created by Miguel Sáez Carral (Raising Voices) and co-written by Isa Sánchez (The Ministry of Time), this six-episode dark drama explores how love can bloom in the most dangerous of places — even when murder is on the table.
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about The Gardener — cast, plot, locations, and more.
What Is The Gardener About?
A Killer With a Green Thumb
Elmer (played by Álvaro Rico from Elite) isn’t your average gardener. After a childhood car accident left him emotionally numb, he became the perfect accomplice for his manipulative mother, La China Jurado (Cecilia Suárez of The House of Flowers).
But this family business is no innocent garden center. Behind the flowerpots and fertilizer lies a secret: a murder-for-hire operation run by his mother, with Elmer acting as her emotionless enforcer.
That is — until Elmer is assigned to kill Violeta, a kind and gentle preschool teacher (played by Catalina Sopelana from Sky Rojo). For the first time in years, Elmer feels something. And it changes everything.
Love vs. Murder: A Dangerous Conflict
When a Killer Finds a Heart
Elmer’s emotional awakening puts him in direct conflict with his mother’s cold plans. As he falls deeper in love with Violeta, his loyalties shift. Suddenly, his purpose as a killer doesn’t feel so clear anymore.
La China, however, isn’t about to lose control of her best weapon. Determined to eliminate Violeta and keep her son on task, she starts pulling every string she can — leading to a dark and deadly battle of love versus loyalty.
Who Stars in The Gardener?
This gripping thriller features a talented Spanish cast, including familiar faces from other Netflix hits:
- Álvaro Rico (Elite) as Elmer, the emotionless gardener turned conflicted killer
- Cecilia Suárez (The House of Flowers) as La China Jurado, Elmer’s manipulative mother
- Catalina Sopelana (Sky Rojo, Entrevías) as Violeta, Elmer’s target-turned-love
- Emma Suárez (Intimacy) as Sabela Costeira
- María Vázquez (Eye for an Eye) as Detective Carrera
- Francis Lorenzo (La Caza: Monteperdido) as Detective Luis Torres, Carrera’s partner
Where Was The Gardener Filmed?
The moody visuals of The Gardener come from its rich Spanish settings. The series was filmed across:
- Pontevedra – with its misty landscapes and charming towns
- Toledo – a historic city that adds depth to the show’s darker themes
- Madrid – the capital’s urban scenes balance the natural serenity of the countryside
The mix of nature and city life plays perfectly into the duality of Elmer’s character — a peaceful gardener hiding a violent secret.
Who Created The Gardener?
The show is the brainchild of Miguel Sáez Carral, known for his gripping storytelling in Raising Voices. He co-wrote the script with Isa Sánchez, who brought magic and mystery to The Ministry of Time.
The direction is equally powerful, with Mikel Rueda (Veneno) and Rafa Montesinos (Perdida) sharing the helm, ensuring a visually arresting and emotionally tense experience.
How Many Episodes Are There?
There are six episodes in total — making The Gardener a binge-worthy series you can watch in a single weekend. With its fast-paced plot and constant emotional twists, you won’t want to hit pause.
Where Can I Watch The Gardener?
The Gardener is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. All six episodes are available to watch right now.
Is There a Trailer?
Yes! You can watch the official trailer for The Gardener right at the top of the Netflix landing page for the series. It offers a haunting preview of Elmer’s internal conflict and the dark world he inhabits.
Is The Gardener Based on a Book?
Nope! The Gardener is an original story — not an adaptation. That means every shocking twist and emotional moment is fresh from the minds of the show’s creators.
Why You Should Watch The Gardener
If you're into stories that mix murder, emotional conflict, and forbidden love, The Gardener should be your next watch.
It’s Dexter meets You, with a Spanish twist — a killer who can’t feel... until love turns everything upside down.
With its compelling performances, unexpected romance, and haunting atmosphere, The Gardener proves that even the coldest heart can bloom again — but not without blood on its hands.
