Watch The Mess You Leave Behind

The Mess You Leave Behind is a Spanish-language thriller series on Netflix that premiered in December 2020. The show is based on a novel of the same name by Carlos Montero, who also created and co-directed the series. The story follows Raquel, a young literature teacher who moves to a small town in Galicia, Spain to take over a teaching position at a high school. She's replacing the previous teacher, Virginia, who recently committed suicide. Raquel quickly realizes that Virginia's death is shrouded in mystery and the school's atmosphere is tense and unsettling.

As Raquel begins her classes, she becomes increasingly aware of the toxic and dangerous environment she's stepped into. The students are rebellious and unruly, and some seem to have a personal vendetta against her. Raquel's own personal life is complicated as well, as she's dealing with a rocky marriage back in the city.

The story unfolds through a dual narrative structure. In addition to Raquel's story, we also follow Virgina's life leading up to her suicide through a series of flashbacks. We see Virginia's interactions with the same students, colleagues, and townsfolk that Raquel is encountering in the present. We also see her relationship with her husband, who's clearly hiding a secret.

The Mess You Leave Behind is a slow-burning and atmospheric thriller that explores themes of guilt, regret, and missed opportunities. The town of Novariz is a character in and of itself, with its misty forests, narrow streets, and seedy taverns. The show builds up a palpable sense of dread and danger as the story progresses, with clues and red herrings scattered throughout each episode.

The characters in The Mess You Leave Behind are complex and well-developed. Raquel, played by Inma Cuesta, is a sympathetic protagonist who's trying to find her place in this foreign and hostile environment. The students are a mix of troubled and rebellious teens, each with their own emotional scars and grudges. The teachers and townsfolk also have their own secrets and agendas, making each episode an exercise in psychological tension.

The cinematography in The Mess You Leave Behind is stunning, with moody and atmospheric shots that echo the show's themes of guilt and regret. The use of color is particularly striking, with muted blues and greens dominating most scenes. The show also utilizes flashbacks and dream sequences to great effect, creating an otherworldly and haunting atmosphere.

Overall, The Mess You Leave Behind is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a perfect show for fans of slow-burning mysteries and atmospheric dramas. The cast gives strong performances across the board, and the writing and direction are top-notch. If you're looking for a new show to get hooked on, The Mess You Leave Behind is definitely worth checking out.