Watch Estocolmo

The show Estocolmo, available on Netflix, depicts the thrilling story of a woman named Mariana (Juana Viale), who is kidnapped in broad daylight from her family's home in Buenos Aires. Directed by Nacho Viale and written by Marcelo Figueras and Esteban Student, Estocolmo debuted in Argentina in 2016, and has since been streamed worldwide.

Mariana is a successful lawyer, married and with a young daughter, when a masked man pulls her into his van and drives her to a remote cottage where he and his accomplices keep her hostage. The man responsible for Mariana's abduction is Vicente (Luciano Cáceres), a disturbed and violent individual who resents Mariana for representing one of his enemies in court. As the days pass, Mariana finds herself in a terrifying battle of wills against her captor, as she tries every resource at her disposal to stay alive and regain her freedom.

The show's title, Estocolmo, is a reference to the psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm Syndrome. This refers to the involuntary bonding that can develop between a victim and their captor, leading the victim to display loyalty or sympathy towards their attacker. Mariana struggles to resist such empathic impulses, despite the horrifying situation she finds herself in.

The plot is well-paced, with each episode revealing new twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Compelling subplots also emerge throughout the series, including the dynamics between the kidnappers, the motives behind Mariana's abduction, and the personal struggles of the police detectives working on her case.

At its core, Estocolmo is a character-driven show. Mariana is a fascinating protagonist, who, despite the horrific circumstances she finds herself in, shows amazing resilience, intelligence, and courage. Meanwhile, Vicente is a complex antagonist, whose own dark past and psychological issues are gradually revealed throughout the series. The show’s talented cast also includes several notable Argentine actors, such as Esteban Lamothe and Juan Gil Navarro, who deliver excellent performances and add depth to the story.

The show's setting is another key element of its success. The isolated cottage in which Mariana is held captive, located in Argentina's lush and mountainous countryside, is both hauntingly beautiful and eerily claustrophobic. The show effectively uses the location to amplify the tension between the characters and create a sense of impending danger.

The show's cinematography and sound design are also noteworthy, amplifying the grim ambiance of the narrative. Shots of Mariana's confinement are masterfully composed to evoke a sense of being trapped, and the scores are crafted to reflect the psychological dynamics of the characters.

One of the show's major strengths is its ability to balance suspense, drama, and character development. Unlike similar shows in the "abduction thriller" genre, such as Taken or Prisoners, Estocolmo delves more deeply into the psychological warfare between victim and captor. While gruesome violence and explicit content are not a prominent feature of the series, the show is nonetheless intense and not for the faint-hearted.

Overall, Estocolmo is an excellent production that provides a fresh and addictive spin on a popular thriller genre. The show's compelling storyline, superb casting, and remarkable production values make it a must-watch for any fan of suspenseful drama.