1992 on Netflix: New thriller series is surprisingly gruesome

Looking for a new show to binge-watch this weekend? Netflix has just the thing. Home to many limited series comprising gripping murder mysteries, a new six-episode one has arrived, and it's bound to be one of the top-watched shows released this weekend.

1992 is a Spanish serial killer thriller revolving around a surprisingly brutal murderer who uses a flamethrower to obliterate his victims. The story begins with an office explosion resulting in the death of a notable CEO and an employee who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The man who gets caught in the crossfire happens to be the husband of a woman named Amparo (Marian Álvarez) and the former close friend of ex-cop Richi (Fernando Valdivielso), who was fired due to his alcoholism.

Amparo actually goes inside the building in search of her husband and passes out from the smoke. Richi, who happened to be nearby, goes inside and carries her out. From there, the two form an unlikely partnership to figure out what really happened, as neither of them believes this was an accident. Of note is the series of murders that unfold afterward, all killed with fire.

The killer also leaves behind a small Curro doll at each crime scene, the mascot from the 1992 Seville Exposition. It soon becomes apparent that this serial killer is out for revenge because of something that occurred at that expo. Amparo and Richi are the only ones who seem to understand that things will continue to escalate if they don't catch him ASAP.

As far as these types of ominous thrillers go, 1992 is surprisingly grim and brutal. It's not a full-on horror series but the death sequences look like they could be straight out of a slasher. There's quite a bit of gore and bloodshed in this, so it might not be for the squeamish.

That said, those looking for a fast-paced thrill ride will find themselves gripped by this limited series. It's an addictive watch, and luckily, the episodes are fairly short, so it goes by quickly. A tight, compact story with excellent performances from the two leads and a compelling mystery that takes a few surprising turns. What more could you ask for from a quick weekend watch?

1992 is now streaming on Netflix.