MANILA, Philippines—The Money Heist spin-off, “Berlin,” has consistently secured its place in Netflix’s top series category since its debut on December 29, 2023. Notably, the show features the beloved character Berlin (played by Pedro Alonso) and introduces his enthralling “old” crew, comprising code virtuoso Keila (Michelle Jenner), academic in engineering and physics Damián (Tristan Ulloa), locksmith Roi (Julio Peña Fernández), gadget and weapon expert Bruce (Joel Sánchez), and enigma Cameron (Begoña Vargas).
Although set before the daring Royal Mint heist, “Berlin” orchestrates a captivating reunion by bringing back iconic characters from the original series, including Raquel Murillo (Itziar Ituńo) and Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri).
Image Courtesy of Netflix.
Showrunners Álex Pina and Esther Martinez offer a fresh perspective on this prequel, emphasizing its “lighter” take on the beloved series and its unique focus on “love”: “We always look for elements that really connect with the viewer, and love is one of those elements. And there are so many facets to love. In fact, the story shows a range of types of love in which the characters vie to show different moments of love, to show different situations.”
Images Courtesy of Netflix.
Echoing the sentiments of the showrunners, Pedro Alonso, the actor behind the titular character Berlin, shares insights into the project and his character: “I’ve often heard that Berlin is a cynic. Not at all. He’s sarcastic, he has a diabolically dark sense of humor, and he can be fascinating, a real prick, whatever you want, but not a cynic. He’s a man who’s committed to rediscovering a great life, falling in love in the face of common sense and logic. A man who’s made to love, in spite of everything.”
Image Courtesy of Netflix.
In addition to its fresh and gripping narrative, “Berlin” captivates audiences with breathtaking scenic spots, shot in 146 locations across various provinces of Spain like Madrid, Almeria, and León, as well as the romantic city of Paris. The series showcases iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Church of Saint Julien Le Pauvre, Château d’ Ormesson-sur-Marne, Sacré Coeur, and the streets of Montmartre.
Beyond picturesque locations, the show charms with its curated music, featuring tracks like the opening theme “Bullets and Flowers” by Francis White and Nikki García, “No me mires” by POL 3,14., and “Tout Ou Rien” by Pipo Romero, all originally recorded for the series.