As curious as it may seem, the most watched film on Netflix in Spain has not just been released. And this is not a new thing in algorithmic design, as is usually the case with the great successes of their collections. This time it’s a curious phenomenon that demonstrates one of the most surprising benefits of subscription services. This is an opportunity to showcase and give a second wind to productions that would otherwise go unnoticed decades after they hit theaters. The evil of others 14 years after its release, it becomes the most watched on Netflix.
The feature film, which hit the big screen 14 years ago, is currently one of the most popular films on Netflix. Moreover, it remains in first place among the most viewed. This is despite the fact that there is no advertising or any maneuvers designed to arouse public interest. Despite this, the film, whose producers include director Alejandro Amenabar (Thesis, Other), managed to beat much more recent titles. Even to brisk success Orion and darknesswhich received many positive reviews during its premiere weekend.
But Santos’ thriller is much lonelier than Daniel Sanchez Arevalo’s good script. It is also a thorough and well-thought-out exploration of guilt, morality, and even broader topics such as bioethics. All of the above combined with a dense story about a ruthless doctor who must answer for actions greater than himself. Despite the passage of almost a decade and a half, the film is able to take a modern approach to its themes and much more, exploring them brilliantly.
What is “El mal ajeno” by Oscar Santos about?
Diego Sanz (Eduardo Noriega) is a doctor who, over the years of his practice, has managed to emotionally distance himself from the patients under his care. What makes him, despite his talent and determination, is a caring character and not fully appreciated by those around him. With obvious film influence Doctor (1991) by Randa Haynes, Noriega’s performance reveals more than just a complex man. At the same time, how medicine – or at least the practice of it – can become a form of indirect violence.
This is exactly what happens to Diego Sanz when Sara (Angie Cepeda) attempts suicide after walking into his office. The delicate situation leads her husband to end up blaming the doctor for his coldness and harshness. This entails a public confrontation between them, culminating in an act of violence. it will change the life of a doctor at all levels.
The most interesting thing is that The evil of others, received mixed reviews at the time of release, most of which were negative. But over time, its plot, accused at the time of being melodramatic, became more relevant. Particularly when analyzing healthcare workers from an unusual perspective which includes their environment and morals.
Increasingly common
What happened with Oscar Santos’ film is just the latest chapter in a recurring phenomenon on Netflix. A few months ago the film Threat from the DeepAuthor William Eubank became the most viewed on the platform. This was despite the fact that it was considered a box office and critical failure.
Argument, water version Alien: Eighth Passenger Ridley Scott, starring Kristen Stewart, went unnoticed on the billboard. Thus, its appearance on Netflix gave it a second wind and a renewed audience. The same thing happened with The evil of otherswhich could mean a whole new way of using online directories.
Source: Hiper Textual
