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

The Spanish thriller Firebreak has officially ignited interest on Netflix, climbing to the very top of the global streaming charts just days after its debut on February 20. According to data from FlixPatrol, the film is currently the most-watched movie on the platform worldwide, outperforming high-budget Hollywood blockbusters.

This success highlights the growing international appetite for intense Spanish-language dramas, specifically those that blend survival elements with psychological suspense. The story centers on Mara, played by Belén Cuesta, who travels to a remote family cottage with her eight-year-old daughter, Lide, to prepare the property for sale following her husband’s death.

Accompanying them are Mara’s brother-in-law, Luis, his wife Elena, and their young son, Dani. What was meant to be a final, quiet goodbye to a place full of memories quickly transforms into a living nightmare when a massive forest fire erupts.

Amidst the panic of a mandatory evacuation, Mara realizes that Lide has disappeared into the smoke-filled woods. Despite the authorities’ warnings and the encroaching flames, the grieving mother makes a desperate decision to stay behind and search for her child.

As she ventures deeper into the inferno, it becomes clear that the fire might not be the only thing threatening her daughter’s life. Critics have noted that the film, titled Cortafuego in its original Spanish, is most effective when it leans into its psychological roots rather than just focusing on the disaster.

Reviews from outlets like El País have praised the way the movie mirrors Mara’s internal grief with the literal hell of the wildfire. They noted that the film is strongest when it is dark and unpredictable, forcing the audience to question the reliability of every character involved.

However, not all reviews have been glowing, with some critics pointing out that the film’s heavy stylization occasionally overshadows the emotional weight. Espinof observed that while the premise is incredibly strong, the limited number of characters and the specific setting can make the pacing feel slightly uneven.

Despite these critiques, the performances of the lead cast have been widely celebrated for their raw intensity and realism. Belén Cuesta, who leads the film, has had a prolific run in recent years, cementing her status as one of Spain’s most versatile actors.

She is perhaps best known to international audiences for her role as Manila in the global phenomenon Money Heist, as well as her award-winning performance in the historical drama The Endless Trench.

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