High Seas (Season 1 & Season 2)
‘High Seas’ (Spanish: ‘Alta Mar’) is a Spanish mystery series set in post World War II, created by Ramón Campos and Gema R. Neira. It stars Ivana Baquero, Alejandra Onieva, Jon Kortajarena, Eloy Azorín and others. It was released on Netflix in May 2019 and takes place over 3 seasons.
The whole look and aesthetic of the production is charming and created with a lot of skill and care. The story begins with two sisters; Eva (Baquero) and Carolina (Onieva) on their way to boarding a luxury ship. Carolina is to marry the ship owner Fernando; Eva is an budding writer. Their car accidentally hits a woman, Luisa (Manuela Vellés), who tells them that her life is in danger. Eva, being soft-hearted and impulsive, almost to a fault, convinces her cautious sister to help this woman. They hide her amidst their luggage and sneak her on board the ship.
The pace of the show is excellent and keeps the audience’s interest. The characters are established quickly and you’re swept into the ships glamorous lifestyle. There are interesting side plots as you get to know people from different sections of society on the ship. I particularly loved the performances of Dimas (Ignacio Montes) and of course Eva and the suave officer Nicholas (Kortajarena). The sets and costumes are excellent and I must point out that they suit the personality of each character. It is a refreshing show in that, although there is a background of murder and mystery, the tone is somehow light, a little like an old fashioned whodunnit. Eva is the protagonist who has an instant attraction with the handsome and charismatic Nicholas. They are thrown together as the plot develops, and of course fall in love. There is a murder… and then another; there is talk of hidden Nazi gold and a secret microfilm. The mystery surrounding the death of Eva and Carolina’s father comes into the picture as more family secrets are discovered. All the principal characters, including the ship’s captain, are hiding something that turns out to be connected to the mystery in some way.
Season 2 concludes the journey started in Season 1. This season is as gripping and picturesquely presented as the first. The ship turns back to rescue passengers from another ship. One survivor, Cassandra (Claudia Traisac), claims to have psychic abilities and sees danger on board. Here begins a new spin with flickering lights, hauntings and a brand new mystery. I thought the story developed very well here when they introduced a mysterious figure: Rosa Marín. Nicolas and Eva now hunt for her, or her body on the ship! The audience holds their breath to find out what happened to Rosa- great suspense. Here again all the characters seem to have a motive to do away with Rosa.
Season 3 deals with the frantic final voyage amongst a bittersweet backdrop. The most disappointing thing here, I thought, was the development of Nicholas and Eva’s story, as their romance had formed an essential part of the charm of the entire show. The chemistry between the actors is excellent and incredibly cute. Other than that this season is also gripping, the mystery continues in the same mood as the earlier two seasons, with an all too familiar and relevant epidemic in the central plot. The end of the show, however, was a little too abrupt according to me. It did not keep with the general mood of the story. The viewer might feel a little disappointed here. But all in all it’s a great show; well written, with wonderful cinematography, great costumes and several terrific performances. An old fashioned murder mystery presented In a modern and glossy style; complete with a ghostly touch, danger, villains, secrets and romance! Even if you hesitate to watch content which involves the reading of subtitles, I assure you this one will not be a bother. The style of the show, gripping story and endearing characters will keep you hooked. A very entertaining watch.
Disclaimer: The above review solely illustrates the views of the writer.