Viewers searching for a gripping new gangster series to binge-watch have been urged to look no further than a particular fan-favourite currently streaming on Netflix. This recommendation comes amidst a wave of praise for other acclaimed crime dramas, but this title is standing out for its compelling narrative and strong fan reception.
Audience Acclaim on IMDb
The show has garnered significant praise from audiences on the review site IMDb. One viewer awarded it a 9/10, describing it as an "incredible thriller". They highlighted the creative freedom of its fictional story, noting, "It's not a true story so they can do anything they go anywhere they want with the story and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you captivated." The reviewer also added that the series surpassed their expectations and improved with each season.
Another fan, who also gave a 9/10 score, compared it favourably to high-quality shows like Breaking Bad and True Detective. While noting it wasn't on the same level as Breaking Bad, they found it highly enjoyable, praising the pace, solid acting, and good script. They expressed hope that the show would continue for a long run.
The enthusiasm is echoed in multiple 10/10 reviews. One titled "Mind blowing! The most engrossing series" admitted that while they don't typically enjoy cartel stories, the perfect script, characters, and acting won them over, culminating in an ending that left them with a "peaceful smile". Another review, called "It's addicting", commended the show's suspense, drama, and top-of-the-line storyline.
From Bestselling Novel to Screen Hit
Queen of the South is adapted from the Spanish-language telenovela La Reina del Sur, which itself was based on the bestselling novel 'The Queen of the South' by Spanish author Arturo Pérez-Reverte.
The story follows Teresa Mendoza, a impoverished Mexican woman played by Alice Braga, who is forced to flee for her life after her boyfriend is murdered by a drug cartel. Her journey leads her to the United States, where she transforms into a powerful drug queenpin, seeking vengeance for her lover's death while navigating immense dangers in her new criminal empire.
The series boasts a strong international cast including Peter Gadiot, Veronica Falcón, Hemky Madera, Joaquim de Almeida, Justina Machado, and Molly Burnett alongside Braga.
Praise for the Original Source Material
While the television adaptation has been a success on Netflix, the original novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte continues to receive high praise on platforms like Amazon Books. One five-star review hailed it as a "great read", specifically applauding Alice Braga's performance as a perfect interpretation of the character from the page.
Another reader, who enjoyed the book twice, called it a "gripping" page-turner with flawed, believable characters and vividly depicted locations across Mexico, North Africa, and Southern Spain. A third reviewer described it as an "enjoyable read" and a rollicking story that offered a look into global drug cartels, admitting they "didn’t want to put it down".
For fans of the genre who have finished other acclaimed series, Queen of the South presents a compelling, twist-filled alternative that is readily available for streaming on Netflix.
