This New Psychological Thriller Is Now Netflix’s Most Watched Movie Around the World

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Netflix’s new Spanish thriller, Firebreak, is quickly becoming a hit, reaching the number one spot on the streaming platform’s global charts just days after its release on February 20th. According to FlixPatrol, it’s currently more popular than many big-budget Hollywood movies.

This success shows how much audiences are enjoying intense, Spanish-language dramas that combine thrilling suspense with survival stories. The film follows Mara, played by Belén Cuesta, who takes her eight-year-old daughter, Lide, to a secluded family cottage to get it ready for sale after her husband passes away.

Joining them are Mara’s brother-in-law, Luis, his wife Elena, and their son Dani. What starts as a peaceful farewell to a cherished place soon turns into a terrifying ordeal when a large forest fire breaks out.

When a mandatory evacuation is ordered, Mara discovers her daughter, Lide, is missing in the smoky woods. Ignoring warnings and the approaching fire, the heartbroken mother chooses to stay and search for her child.

As Mara goes deeper into the burning forest, she begins to suspect that the danger to Lide may be more than just the fire itself. The film, originally titled Cortafuego, is particularly powerful when it explores the characters’ inner turmoil rather than simply focusing on the disaster.

Critics, including those at El País, have highlighted how the movie effectively connects Mara’s grief with the overwhelming destruction of the wildfire. They’ve noted that the film is at its best when it’s unsettling and keeps the audience guessing, making them question everyone’s motives.

While the film has received generally positive reviews, some critics feel its strong visual style sometimes distracts from the story’s emotional impact. One reviewer noted that the limited number of characters and specific location occasionally make the film’s pace feel a little inconsistent.

Despite these minor criticisms, the actors have been widely praised for their powerful and realistic performances. Belén Cuesta, the film’s lead, has become a highly respected and versatile actor in Spain.

She’s well-known internationally for playing Manila in the popular series Money Heist, and she also won awards for her role in the historical drama The Endless Trench.

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2026-02-25 11:14