Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 44

“The Lady’s Companion”, a Period Romantic Comedy on Netflix

“The Lady’s Companion” is an eight-episode romantic comedy set in 19th-century Madrid that introduces us to Elena Bianda, played by Nadia de Santiago. Elena, a chaperone, must find suitable husbands for three sisters who have just lost their mother while also sorting out her own romantic life.

Netflix once again bets on romantic comedy in Spain, this time with a series created by Gema R. Neira and María José Rustarazo, also responsible for the hit show “Cable Girls” (Las Chicas del Cable). Following the successful formula, they return with this lighthearted period comedy, again featuring female protagonists.

The Lady’s Companion – Netflix

Plot

At the heart of the story is Elena Bianda, portrayed by Nadia de Santiago, Madrid’s most sought-after chaperone. With a track record of successfully guiding over 20 ladies to respectable engagements, Elena’s life takes an unexpected turn when she arrives at the Mencía household to guide three sisters through the treacherous waters of 19th-century society.

The Cast

Nadia de Santiago leads the ensemble, with Álvaro Mel as Santiago and Isa Montalbán as Cristina. They’re supported by a talented cast that promises to bring the vibrant world of Alphonsine-era Madrid to life.

About the Series

While the setting may not be as lavish as “Bridgerton,” it effectively transports us to the era, showcasing the palatial homes of the wealthiest noble families, along with period balls and costumes. As with its American counterpart, the story takes a modern twist, featuring characters who, though from a bygone era, seem to possess a much more contemporary mindset. It’s as if we’re watching a modernized Jane Austen novel. This formula works, so it’s no surprise that producers are capitalizing on it.

“The Lady’s Companion” is a cheerful, entertaining series that’s easy to watch. Don’t expect too much depth in the plot or groundbreaking innovations in structure, theme, or aesthetics. It’s essentially a romantic comedy without lofty pretensions, but it’s entertaining and aesthetically elegant, with solid direction and relatable characters that audiences will likely warm to.

The show boasts good production values that, while not as opulent as “Bridgerton,” effectively immerse us in the period. We’re treated to the palatial homes of the era’s wealthiest noble families, along with authentic balls and period costumes. However, as with its American counterpart, the story takes a modern twist. The characters, though from a bygone era, possess a much more contemporary mindset – imagine a modernized Jane Austen novel. This formula has proven successful, so it’s no surprise that producers are leveraging it.

“The Lady’s Companion” is a light-hearted, enjoyable series that doesn’t demand too much from its viewers. Don’t expect profound plot lines or revolutionary approaches to structure, theme, or aesthetics. It’s fundamentally a romantic comedy without grand ambitions, but it succeeds in being entertaining and visually appealing, with competent direction and likable characters that are likely to resonate with audiences.

Enjoy the show!

Where to Watch “The Lady’s Companion”

Netflix

Prime Video: The Final Season of the Charismatic Harry Bosch Arrives

The third season of “Bosch: Legacy” comes to its conclusion. Based on Michael Connelly’s novels “Desert Star” and “The Black Ice,” this season promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Harry Bosch, portrayed by Titus Welliver, navigates a complex murder investigation that threatens to unravel the lives of the main characters. This season, Honey Chandler, played by Mimi Rogers, faces a tough race to become the next Los Angeles District Attorney, while Maddie Bosch, portrayed by Madison Lintz, confronts a series of violent robberies. The show continues to capture the essence of Los Angeles, offering a rich narrative that closely mirrors Connelly’s books.

About the Series

This spin-off, which picks up where the original “Bosch” series left off, has managed to forge its own identity while staying true to the noir roots that fans have come to expect. “Bosch: Legacy” follows the next chapter in the life of Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch, the main character played with unwavering intensity by Titus Welliver.

“Bosch: Legacy” is quintessentially televisual: from its presentation to echoes of classic legal dramas. The series expertly maintains interest between the main characters (Honey Chandler as a cop and Maddie Bosch in her career as a district attorney) whose lives revolve, in parallel, with detective work.

This show is a realistic police drama that blends politics, courtroom drama, and criminal thriller to give us a comprehensive and authentic view of police activity. It also delves into the lives of the kidnapping victims we saw in the second season.

For lovers of classic police series, “Bosch: Legacy” returns, this time for a farewell season – although rumors suggest another series following the adventures of its characters is already in the works. Above all, “Bosch: Legacy” stands out because it follows the main characters and their lives, originally mixing drama and realism without losing sight of the show’s inherently televisual essence.

Get ready to enjoy this final ride through the gritty streets of Los Angeles with Harry Bosch and his cohorts. It’s a fitting end to a series that has captivated audiences with its blend of hard-boiled detective work and complex character dynamics.

Where to Watch “Bosch: Legacy”

Prime Video

“Survival of the Thickest” Returns for Its Second Season on Netflix

Mavis Beaumont is back on Netflix in the second season of the series. This new season kicks off in Rome (where the first season concluded) and we’ll see if Mavis is finally forgiven. However, it won’t be long before we return to New York, where the story of this vibrant character unfolds.

Portrayed by Michelle Buteau, Mavis navigates her personal and professional life, determined to grow her fashion brand while exploring new romantic possibilities. The series, co-created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, continues to blend humor with heartfelt moments. In the new season, Mavis faces the challenges of her thirties, makes important life decisions, and embraces her identity as a fashion stylist. Her journey is marked by the support of her close friends, Khalil and Marley, played by Tone Bell and Tasha Smith, respectively. The dynamic between these characters adds depth to the narrative, showcasing themes of friendship, self-discovery, and empowerment.

Inspired by Michelle Buteau’s book, the series continues to challenge social norms and celebrate diversity, especially in the fashion industry. “Survival of the Thickest” continues in its second season with its genuine mix of comedy, social commentary, romantic stories, and personal growth that is sure to delight fans of Michelle Buteau.

Where to Watch “Survival of the Thickest”

Netflix

“Holland”: Prime Video’s New Thriller Starring Nicole Kidman

Prime Video’s latest addition, “Holland,” presents itself as an enthralling mystery thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Directed by Mimi Cave and penned by Andrew Sodroski, the film boasts a star-studded cast led by Nicole Kidman, alongside Matthew Macfadyen, Gael García Bernal, and Jude Hill. A rollercoaster of suspense, blending elements of drama and psychological intrigue, “Holland” is visually elegant with undeniable directorial style. It features an exceptional lead in Nicole Kidman, who plays a role she’s nearly specialized in: a married woman unsatisfied with her life.

It has all the ingredients for success, and yet, it fails to fully convince us.

Holland – Prime Video

Plot Summary

Set in the picturesque town of Holland, Michigan, the film follows Nancy Vandergroot, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, a meticulous teacher and housewife whose seemingly perfect life descends into chaos. As Nancy and a colleague delve into a mysterious secret, they uncover a web of deception that challenges their perception of reality.

Production and Release

“Holland” premiered at the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals before landing on Amazon Prime Video. Produced by a team that includes Nicole Kidman herself, the film is a collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios, Blossom Films, and several other production companies.

Our Take

“Holland” entertains and appeals on a superficial level, yet it fails to convince us on a deeper level. The direction and editing are elegant, with a measured pace and beautiful cinematography by Pawel Pogorzelski: colors, framing, and art direction all fit perfectly into one of those stylish productions that, with a retro touch, should work because aesthetically, it has it all.

And yet, Nicole Kidman once again immerses us in that role of an emotionally unsatisfied woman who seems to invent a story. In this supposed invention (that her husband has a lover), she involves another man and has an affair with him. Gradually, the plot unfolds: is it madness, or is something really happening?

Something in “Holland” seems like a plot that should indeed work much better in terms of story, plot, and overall narrative, but its contemplative rhythm perhaps weighs down the story itself.

We again have Nicole Kidman as the undisputed protagonist of the story in a role that she seems to have played a thousand times, and that may feel redundant to the viewer, who won’t find enough surprises in the plot resolution at a narrative level.

There’s a lot of talent, everything’s perfect at the production level, and yet, it’s another Prime Video production that doesn’t make enough of an impact and seems to fall short between its initial intentions and its final product.

“Holland” is enjoyable without being entirely convincing, staying on the surface of a story that ultimately ends up disappointing.

Where to Watch “Holland”

Prime Video

“Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure” – Netflix Docuseries: A Mind-Bending Treasure Hunt Guided by a Poem

“Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure” is one of those documentaries that keeps you glued to the screen because it has all the elements of an Indiana Jones-style adventure: a poem containing several clues about a treasure hidden somewhere in the mountainous regions of the U.S. (the Rocky Mountains).

The author of the poem, Forrest Fenn, became a television celebrity while dropping new hints about the location of the poem. Netflix brings us this treasure hunt that was followed by 300,000 people and ended in a rather curious and surprising way.

The Forrest Fenn Treasure

Forrest Fenn led a successful life as an art dealer and collected a series of treasures throughout his life, including diamonds, rubies, and gold objects. Fenn estimated the treasure’s value between 1 and 5 million dollars.

When Forrest Fenn was diagnosed with cancer, he decided to bury the treasure and write a 24-line poem giving clues about its location. Then, he would simply die as a result of his illness.

He did bury the treasure, but Forrest Fenn didn’t die. He managed to cure his cancer and became a television celebrity, dropping new clues and becoming the obsession of thousands of people. This sparked a phenomenon across the internet, television, and print media: where was Forrest Fenn’s treasure hidden?

About the “Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure” Docuseries

“Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure” is the result of a powerful collaboration between Vox Media Studios, Nomadica Films, and Gum Street Productions. This team has a track record of Netflix hits, such as “Full Swing” and “Explained,” suggesting that Fenn’s story is in good hands.

“Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure” is an entertaining three-episode docuseries in which Netflix follows four of these treasure hunters on their quest. Coming from different social and economic backgrounds, these four representatives help us understand the media frenzy sparked by the poem: encrypted clues, facial analysis of Fenn’s gestures on television through software…

The search for this treasure gained international attention thanks to the press and became a phenomenon of people analyzing data, poem structures, and clues that would eventually lead to the treasure.

“Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure” features plenty of archival footage with interviews with Fenn himself, but it has its protagonists, who tell us how they searched for the treasure and, finally, managed to find it.

But the story has a surprising ending, which we won’t reveal, but you’ll find it fun, entertaining, and somewhat magical.

Our Opinion

This is a docuseries to watch and smile a bit: how can the search for a treasure obsess so many people? It did, and in what way. “Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure” is an entertaining narrative about this discovery and what happened afterward.

Relax and feel a bit like Indiana Jones for a few hours.

The treasure hunt has begun.

Where to Watch “Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure”

Netflix

How a Potential Rounders Sequel Shows the Enormity of Poker’s Impact on Cinema and Pop Culture

That’s what Hollywood A-lister Matt Damon said about a potential Rounders sequel—nearly 30 years after the first film’s release in 1998. On The Rich Eisen Show, he was asked whether any of his movies would get sequels in the future, and Rounders came out on top. Centering around Damon and Edward Norton’s journey through the world of high-stakes poker, it’s considered a cult classic by the card game’s enthusiasts. That’s why this demand for a sequel from cast, crew, and fans alike comes despite the fact that Rounders is actually considered to have underperformed at the box office. In fact, the sleeper hit only skyrocketed to fame amid the poker boom of the early 2000s. 

“Because so much has happened in that poker world in the last 25 years, it would be fun to catch up with those guys,” Damon elaborated. 

With the real-life poker scene evolving so rapidly in the two decades that followed, Damon’s dedication to turning a sequel into reality shows just how much the card game has impacted cinema—and pop culture as a whole—starting with Rounders’ release. 

Sparking the 2000s poker boom 

Chris Moneymaker, who won the 2003 World Series of Poker, is widely credited for igniting the poker boom. However, the series of events that led up to his win arguably starts with him watching Rounders when it first came out. 

“Me and my friends, we had a home game,” he explained. “We never played no-limit hold ’em. After we saw Rounders, we started playing almost exclusively no-limit hold ’em.”

The film eventually set off a domino effect. Moneymaker started playing poker’s Texas Hold’em variant at casinos, where he was encouraged to try online poker. After a while, he ended up “accidentally” joining an online satellite event hosted by a leading poker site. When he finished in the top three, he was surprised with a spot in the World Series of Poker’s Main Event—where he took home a grand prize worth over $2.5 million. Moneymaker then left his job as an accountant to play professionally full-time. That led him to nab major deals, including a role as the main ambassador for America’s Card Room. With the help of the US’ #1 poker site, he’s been able to inspire others to potentially reach the same success in poker by organizing The Sunday Moneymaker and even the Moneymaker Tour. 

With Moneymaker at the helm, poker penetrated the mainstream. That’s what made Rounders so popular, with players like Vanessa Rousso citing the film and the boom as getting her into the sport. Poker pros themselves went on to become major pop culture icons following Moneymaker’s win, with the likes of Daniel Negreanu, Tiffany Michelle, and Maria Ho making their way to reality TV shows like Celebrity Apprentice and The Amazing Race. 

Motivating celebrity charity action 

Rounders and the poker boom didn’t just turn professional players into influential personalities—they also inspired multiple celebrities to try their hand at the sport, too. 

Damon, who joined the 1998 World Series of Poker, began competing in multiple professional tournaments after the boom made Rounders more popular. Some events he’s been spotted at include the 2009 World Series of Poker, where he played against pro Erik Seidel. 

There’s also Bride of Chucky star Jennifer Tilly—who began playing in 2005 and immediately won prestigious events, including the World Poker Tour Ladies’ Invitational. She’s since netted over $1 million in career earnings. Their participation saw poker take on a more glamorous and exciting image, and that encouraged even more celebrities to try it—not just to play in their free time, but also to raise money for charity. 

One great example of this is Damon’s close friend and frequent collaborator, Ben Affleck. Having won the California State Poker Championship a mere year after Moneymaker’s victory, Affleck is a seasoned poker player in his own right. Like Damon, however, he’s also known for his philanthropic efforts. Many of them involve poker, including a Las Vegas celebrity charity tournament in 2023. Held for the benefit of his non-profit, the Eastern Congo Initiative, the event was attended by the likes of Jon Hamm and Jimmy Kimmel. With Damon and America’s Card Room, he also organized the online All In For America tournament, which raised over $1.75 million to restock the country’s food banks during COVID-19. 

Affleck and Damon aren’t the only stars who’ve organized celebrity charity poker tournaments, either. The late TV star Ed Asner is particularly famous for starting the event Poker for Ed, which has been frequented by pros like Phil Hellmuth and is still held annually to this day. More recently, Jeremy Renner integrated poker tournaments into a charity weekend event last October. Hosted at the Venetian’s new poker room in Las Vegas, the Celebrity Poker Showdown saw the likes of Richard Kind and Joey Ingram raise money for Renner’s RennerVation Foundation. 

Fueling the demand for more poker movies 

Arguably, poker’s biggest impact on pop culture can be seen in film. After Rounders—which, in itself, was inspired by the exciting nature of the card game—multiple films began featuring it to add tension, drama, and a little bit of thrill to scenes with high stakes. 

There’s Ocean’s Eleven (which Damon also starred in), which used poker to showcase the heist-ready skills of characters portrayed by George Clooney and Brad Pitt. You also have the James Bond film Casino Royale, which replaced the pivotal baccarat game played between Bond and villain Le Chiffre with three rounds of Texas Hold’em to make it more exciting to watch. To pull off an even more authentic feel, the film enlisted Tom Sanbrook—winner of the 2002 European Poker Championship—as a formal poker consultant for the scene. 

Of course, poker also fueled the demand for movies solely about the card game. Though the likes of Ryan Reynolds’ Mississippi Grind and the 2007 comedy film The Grand—which followed improvisational actors playing different characters participating in actual poker tournaments—are great examples, Molly’s Game, which stars Jessica Chastain, is arguably the standout here. The 2017 film dramatizes the real-life story of Molly Bloom, who held low-key poker games for some of America’s biggest influential persons. Potentially, one of them is Tobey Maguire. In the poker community, the Spider-Man star is best known for organizing private games with the likes of Affleck, Damon, and Leonardo DiCaprio. He also competed in the main event of the World Series of Poker—not just once, but thrice—between 2005 and 2007. In the film, he’s widely believed to be the person represented by the character “Player X,” who was portrayed by Michael Cera. 

With poker now seen as being essential for adding excitement to movies regardless of genre, it’s clear just how heavily it’s influenced cinema and pop culture as a whole. That impact may just be the reason that a Rounders sequel is so highly anticipated—not just by the card game’s enthusiasts, but the cast and crew of the original film itself. 

Keep on reading Martin Cid Magazine for even more pieces on your favorite movies and TV shows. 

“From Rock Star to Killer”: Netflix’s New Docuseries Focused on Bertrand Cantat, Lead Singer of Noir Désir

Today, Netflix brings us another of those controversial true crime docuseries. This time, it features exceptional protagonists: a rock star and a well-known actress, whose story tragically ended in homicide.

At the heart of this documentary lies the heart-wrenching story of Bertrand Cantat, the charismatic frontman of the French rock band Noir Désir, whose life took a dark turn in the summer of 2003. What began as a passionate relationship with actress Marie Trintignant ended in an act of violence that would spark a national debate on domestic abuse.

The three-episode docuseries, originally titled “De rockstar à tueur : Le cas Cantat” in French, offers a comprehensive look at the events surrounding Trintignant’s death, the subsequent legal proceedings, and the lasting impact on French society. Through a mix of archival footage and new testimonies from journalists and authors like Anne-Sophie Jahn and Michelle Fines, the series aims to provide a nuanced perspective on a case that divided public opinion.

The docuseries doesn’t just rehash archival footage; it delves into the aftermath and brings new testimonies, including the mysterious suicide of Cantat’s wife, Krisztina Rády, in 2010 and the controversy surrounding the singer’s attempts to return to the music scene. Cantat was released from prison in 2007.

About the Docuseries

“From Rock Star to Killer” is primarily composed of archival footage: trials, victim testimonies, and news reports from the media of that era. We have some testimonies from people who were with them on that fateful night in 2003, but we don’t have Cantat’s testimonies.

There’s an abundance of trial footage and media coverage, providing a faithful reconstruction of a news story that, unlike other true crime docuseries on the platform, doesn’t cause as much mystery or controversy. Yes, it’s a case of homicide due to domestic violence, but here the docuseries simply recalls what happened and revisits a case that was concluded twenty years ago.

It won’t be the documentary of your life, and taking advantage of the media impact of the news, it reminds us of what happened in a faithful manner. It’s a way to peer into the past and remember this traumatic event.

While it may not be groundbreaking, “From Rock Star to Killer” offers a thorough and respectful examination of a significant moment in French cultural history. For those interested in true crime or the intersection of celebrity and tragedy, this docuseries provides a sobering look at the dark side of fame and the lasting impact of domestic violence.

Available now on Netflix.

Where to Watch “From Rock Star to Killer”

Netflix

“Side Quest”: Four Episodes Exploring the “Mythic Quest” Universe

“Side Quest” is Apple TV+’s latest offering for fans of the “Mythic Quest” world. It started as a video game, then became a comic, and even had its own TV series in 2020. Now, we’re treated to this miniseries with a unique format: four standalone episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of someone’s life connected to the Mythic Quest universe – from gamers and comic shop owners to art designers and wandering musicians.

While all the stories tie into some aspect of the video game, the series takes a fresh approach. “Side Quest” isn’t content with just being a show for Mythic Quest diehards. Instead, it presents four distinct stories, each with its own style, about characters who, in one way or another, have something to do with the video game, comics, or the TV series spin-off.

“Side Quest” is a light comedy, but it doesn’t limit itself to just laughs. It knows how to find the dramatic (not tragic) side of the characters’ lives, offering a quick glimpse into four independent stories, each with plenty to say. The series focuses more on the human aspect, telling four real stories that blend comedy with authentic experiences.

This is a series that relies more on its script than on unrealistic effects or forced narratives. The four episodes have a measured pace and yet manage to capture the viewer’s attention, summarizing the attitudes and circumstances of the characters effectively.

Sure, we might have expected a fantastic adventure series or something more “freaky,” but the creators have decided otherwise. They offer four stories that, while humorous, provide a realistic and even reflective view on the passage of time and, in a way, maturity.

Rob McElhenney, known for his role as Ian Grimm in the original series, makes an appearance, providing a familiar anchor for “Mythic Quest” fans. However, the series mainly features a new cast, including Anna Konkle as Maude and Derek Waters as Phil, bringing fresh energy to this expanding universe.

You know, it’s one of those offerings that, every now and then, has a touch of originality and freshness.

Enjoy the show!

Where to Watch “Side Quest”

Apple TV+

“The Studio”: A Satirical Series About the Film Industry on Apple TV+

Seth Rogen stars in this Hollywood satire that dives into the chaotic world of moviemaking. This eccentric comedy offers a more humorous than biting portrait of Tinseltown, showcasing the human eccentricity and chaos surrounding any film production. It exposes the Hollywood machine through jokes, maintaining a brisk pace and strong narrative sense.

One of the most impressive aspects of “The Studio” is its star-studded guest list. The series boasts a veritable “who’s who” of Hollywood, featuring appearances from acclaimed directors like Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard, A-list actors such as Charlize Theron and Zoe Kravitz, and even industry executives like Ted Sarandos. They all shine in their roles portraying Hollywood stars. By the way, Scorsese is in top form.

At the heart of the series is Matt Remick, played by Seth Rogen himself, who steps into the role of the newly appointed head of Continental Studios.

Plot

The show’s premise is a delicious recipe for comedy: As movies struggle to maintain relevance in an ever-changing entertainment landscape, Matt and his team of executives must navigate their own insecurities while dealing with narcissistic artists and appeasing corporate overlords. Every decision, from casting to marketing, becomes a high-stakes gamble that could result in either a dazzling success or a career-ending disaster.

The Studio – Apple TV+

The Cast

Rogen, who wears multiple hats as actor, producer, director, and writer, leads an all-star cast including industry veterans like Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, and rising star Chase Sui Wonders.

Apple TV+ Has Released Two Episodes

The series premiere consists of two episodes, setting the tone for what promises to be a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of film production. In the first episode, we’ll see Matt Remick take the reins of Continental Studios and immediately face a project that threatens public humiliation. The second episode showcases the complexities of filming when a seemingly simple sunset shot is complicated by set issues.

Our Take

Remember Robert Altman’s movie “The Player”? “The Studio” plays with a similar concept, minus the thriller aspect. The series is pure comedy that takes us into the bowels of Hollywood, constantly playing with our fascination for the film world and its inner workings.

Does it offer brilliant insights beyond the surface level? That doesn’t seem to be the creators’ intention. Instead, they aim to provide entertaining fun while paying homage to classic Hollywood, which now struggles to survive among streaming platforms.

The series has a slightly retro vibe, almost a tribute to classic Hollywood when movies were still shot in Los Angeles. It’s a portrait of the eccentricity of film professionals and the extravagance of Hollywood that, however, remains on the surface, offering a rather light portrayal of the film industry machinery.

“The Studio” is pleasing and entertaining, but it doesn’t quite manage to captivate or offer anything groundbreaking. It’s another cinematic production, this time in series form, of cinema talking about itself and the fascination of making movies amidst what truly matters to everyone: money.

Indeed, at the core of the entire series lies the great dilemma: Can something artistic be made with budgets of billions of dollars in a disorderly chaos of colossal egos? This struggle between the material and the artistic seems to center the series’ main discourse.

“The Studio” entertains and amuses, and it’s a magnificent production in terms of pacing and aesthetics. Packed with stars, it will appeal to movie buffs, but when it comes to telling an interesting story or developing deep characters, it falls a bit short.

Where to Watch “The Studio”

Apple TV+

“Million Dollar Secret” – A Mystery and Suspects Reality Show with a Million Dollar Prize

Netflix brings us today a reality show with board game vibes (Clue): twelve contestants arrive at a luxurious estate by a lake in Kelowna, Canada, but only one holds the key to a million-dollar prize. The twist? No one knows who the millionaire is, and it’s up to the other eleven to unmask them before being eliminated.

Each contestant chooses a key that opens a room in the estate. Eleven rooms contain empty boxes, while one holds the coveted million-dollar prize. This random selection sets the stage for a game where trust is currency and suspicion is the name of the game.

The format cleverly combines elements of popular shows with classic mystery and social interaction components. Daily challenges offer contestants the opportunity to gather information and get closer to identifying the secret millionaire. But it’s not just about physical prowess or mental acuity; the real game unfolds around the table each night, where votes are cast and eliminations occur.

About the Reality Show

This time, Netflix plays with mystery in a reality show that combines social interaction with greed, mystery, accusations, and suspects. The trick is, at its core, the same as always: to make the protagonists feel in conflict with each other so that the viewer enjoys these conflicts.

So far, three episodes have been aired, and Netflix will leave the outcome to create anticipation. The show has an elaborate staging and moves away from classic reality show programs thanks to the sophisticated location and careful photography.

It has a lot of movement on a visual and narrative level. Interviews with the protagonists are quickly combined, and everything revolves frenetically: suspects, skill tests combined with wit challenges to unmask the person who has received the box containing the million dollars.

By the way, the viewer knows from the beginning of the game who has received the prize.

So, if you want a reality show with a flavor of the legendary board game “Clue,” here’s this entertaining proposal from the streaming network.

Enjoy it!

Where to Watch “Million Dollar Secret”

Netflix