After the huge hit of the Argentine series ‘En el barro,’ Netflix viewers found themselves hooked on prison dramas. These shows deliver mystery, action, and that raw intensity that reveals the tough life inside a women’s correctional facility.
Now, fans are hungry for more. The good news is that an amazing series has been waiting on Netflix for years. It’s called ‘Vis a Vis.’ You might know it as Locked Up in some places. This Spanish thriller first aired in 2015. Globomedia produced it for Antena 3, and later Fox Spain picked it up. Eventually, Netflix bought the rights to stream it internationally.
Get Ready for ‘Vis a Vis’: Your Next Prison Drama Obsession
The story follows Macarena Ferreiro, played by Maggie Civantos. She’s a naive but determined woman. Her boss tricked her into tax crimes, and she gets a seven-year prison sentence. Inside “Cruz del Sur” prison, Macarena must learn to survive fast. The place is hostile. There are rivalries, alliances, and betrayals among the inmates. The prison system itself is corrupt. Power struggles happen constantly between prisoners and staff.
One character you won’t forget is Zulema Zahir, played by Najwa Nimri. She becomes a key enemy. Zulema is dangerous and charismatic, a true force in the prison. Nimri is also famous for her role as Inspector Alicia Sierra in ‘Money Heist’ (La Casa de Papel).
Why You Need to Watch ‘Vis a Vis’
Both ‘En el barro’ and ‘Vis a Vis’ share a harsh prison world. They focus on female inmates, internal fights, loyalty, and betrayal. Both series show the struggle to survive in a tough system. ‘En el barro’ dug into the bonds women form when facing hardship. It also explored power clashes between different groups inside.
‘Vis a Vis’ offers a deeper look into the genre. It has many seasons, and you see the main character grow a lot. She goes from being innocent to a true survivor. She faces tough moral and physical challenges. If you love complex characters and stories of inner change, you will really appreciate this show.
‘En el barro’ starts with a deadly accident involving five inmates. This forces them to organize themselves in prison. ‘Vis a Vis’ begins at the moment of conviction and Macarena’s arrival. This lets viewers feel her emotional shock right from the start.
Even though this Spanish series has been on Netflix for years, it’s still fresh and easy to find. For fans of ‘En el barro,’ ‘Vis a Vis’ is a sure bet. It offers similar stories from a different country. The approach is fresh, and the storytelling is intense from the very first episode.