Netflix’s The Gardener (El jardinero) is a gripping Spanish romantic thriller that premiered on April 11, 2025. Created by Miguel Sáez Carral, the six-episode series delves into the life of Elmer, an emotionless assassin raised by his manipulative mother, La China Jurado. Their gardening business serves as a front for contract killings. However, Elmer’s world shifts when he develops feelings for Violeta, a kindergarten teacher and his next target. This unexpected romance threatens their covert operations, leading to a tense narrative filled with moral dilemmas and emotional awakenings.
Plot Overview
Elmer, emotionally detached due to a childhood accident, is molded by his mother, La China Jurado, into a meticulous hitman. Operating under the guise of a gardening business, they eliminate targets using plant-based poisons. Their latest assignment involves Violeta, a gentle kindergarten teacher. As Elmer observes her, he experiences unfamiliar emotions, complicating his mission. His newfound feelings challenge his loyalty to his mother and the only life he’s known, setting off a chain of events that jeopardize their clandestine enterprise.
Cast and Characters of Netflix’s The Gardener
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- Álvaro Rico as Elmer: An assassin incapable of feeling emotions until he meets Violeta.
- Cecilia Suárez as La China Jurado: Elmer’s controlling mother and the mastermind behind their contract killing business.
- Catalina Sopelana as Violeta: A kindergarten teacher who becomes the object of Elmer’s affection and his intended target.
- Emma Suárez as Sabela: A character whose role intertwines with the central narrative.
- María Vázquez as Carrera: A supporting character adding depth to the storyline.
- Francis Lorenzo as Torres: Another key figure influencing the plot’s progression.
- Iván Massagué, Javier Morgade, Esteban Roel, Isabel Garrido, andCandela Solé round out the ensemble cast, contributing to the series’ intricate dynamics.
Filming Location:
The Gardener was filmed across various locations in Galicia, Spain, including Pontevedra, Cambados, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Tomiño, Ribeira, and Madrid. The lush landscapes and historic towns of Galicia provided an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the series’ moody and suspenseful tone. The region’s natural beauty and architectural charm contribute significantly to the show’s visual storytelling, grounding its dramatic narrative in a setting that is both serene and ominous.
