Netflix’s ‘Burning Body’ (El cuerpo en llamas) is a compelling Spanish criminal thriller miniseries that sets the setting for an intense and mysterious voyage into the depths of deception and mystery. This riveting series, written by Laura Sarmiento and skillfully directed by Jorge Torregrossa and Laura Maá, starring rsula Corberó, Quim Gutiérrez, and José Manuel Poga, and promises an extraordinary experience for fans looking for an adrenaline-pumping tale.
Set in 2017, ‘Burning Body’ is a fictionalised recounting of Catalonia’s tragic Crime of the Guàrdia Urbana. The startling discovery of a burnt body near Barcelona’s Foix reservoir sets the stage for a maze of toxic relationships, betrayal, violence, and explosive sex scandals. This riveting story revolves around the mysterious death of Pedro, a police officer, and the foreboding involvement of two of his colleagues agents, Rosa and Albert.
As the story progresses, the deadly secrets lurking beneath the surface are revealed, all while delving into the depths of human duplicity. While ‘Burning Body’ professes to be inspired by true events, it doesn’t shy away from dramatic narrative, occasionally stretching the limits of tension and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Looking for a new interest to replace ‘Burning Body’? Prepare to solve more engrossing murder riddles that will have you fascinated from the first clue.
A Friend of the Family (2022)
‘A Friend of the Family’ is a true crime drama miniseries that depicts real-life events in a disturbing manner. During the turbulent 1970s, Robert Berchtold abuses Jan Broberg and subjects her to two kidnappings. Jake Lacy plays Berchtold, while Hendrix Yancey and Mckenna Grace depict Jan Broberg at various periods of her life. The ensemble cast, directed by Nick Antosca, also includes Colin Hanks, Lio Tipton, and Anna Paquin in supporting roles.
‘A Friend of the Family’ and ‘Burning Body’ both delve into the unpleasant terrain of trust and betrayal in interpersonal relationships. While the former investigates the heinous effects of a trusted friend’s conduct, the later reveals the complicated network of poisonous connections in a criminal environment. Both programmes explore the dark complexity of human bonds as well as the long-term consequences of deception and manipulation.
Candy (2022)
‘Candy: A Death in Texas’ (also known as ‘Candy’ worldwide) is a true crime drama television miniseries created by Nick Antosca and Robin Veith. In this compelling series, Jessica Biel plays Candy Montgomery, who was accused of perpetrating an axe murder in 1980, Texas. Melanie Lynskey plays the victim, Betty Gore. The story is set in Wylie, Texas, and it dives into the terrible events of 1980, when suburban housewife Candy Montgomery is accused of murdering her neighbour, Betty Gore.
The terrible occurrence takes place against the backdrop of Candy and Allan, Betty’s husband’s adulterous romance, adding layers of depth to the dramatic real crime thriller. ‘Candy: A Death in Texas’ and ‘Burning Body’ both deal with the complexity of human behaviour and treachery, as well as hidden secrets, domestic abuse, and the terrible impact of crime on individuals, families, and communities.
Des (2020)
‘Des’ is a gripping three-part British miniseries directed by Lewis Arnold and Luke Neal. The gripping story is based on the 1983 arrest of Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen, which was prompted by the horrifying discovery of human remains in a gutter near his London home. The series goes into the gruesome details of Nilsen’s crimes and the rigorous police investigation that followed, providing a terrifying peek into the mind of an infamous killer.
Both ‘Des’ and ‘Burning Body’ immerse viewers in the terrifying world of true crime, with ‘Des’ delving into the mind of a serial murderer and the investigative process, and ‘Burning Body’ revealing the complicated web of relationships and secrets in the aftermath of a murder. Both shows present a vivid and frightening depiction of crime and its consequences.
I Am a Killer (2018-2022)
‘I am a Killer’ is based on real-life events from the 1970s, and follows the journey of a young detective who takes command of a specialised police squad entrusted with apprehending a notorious serial killer of women known as ‘The Silesian Vampire.’ ‘I Am a Killer’ and ‘Burning Body’ both have a thematic grounding of crime and its far-reaching consequences. While the former tracks the hunt for a serial killer, the latter delves into the intricate web of relationships that surrounds a murder investigation. Both programmes provide viewers with a glimpse into the dark corners of human behaviour as well as the tremendous consequences of crime on individuals and communities, prompting them to consider the complexity of morality and justice.
Landscapers (2021)
‘Landscapers,’ a darkly comic real crime drama miniseries produced and written by Ed Sinclair and expertly directed by Will Sharpe, is a must-see. This series is based on the true circumstances surrounding the 1998 murders of William and Patricia Wycherley, and stars Olivia Colman and David Thewlis as Susan and Christopher Edwards. Set in 2012, ‘Landscapers’ tells the unsettling story of Susan and Christopher, an apparently inconspicuous couple whose gruesome decade-old crimes resurface.
As the story develops, it reveals the horrifying finding of the pair’s role in Susan’s parents’ murder and clandestine burial in the backyard of their Mansfield home – a terrible crime that went unsolved for nearly ten years. The themes of ‘Landscapers’ and ‘Burning Body’ are similar, with each series delving into the complexities of concealing and exposing heinous acts, ultimately revealing the complexities of human nature when confronted with the consequences of their actions.
The Girl from Plainville (2022)
Liz Hannah and Patrick Macmanus co-created ‘The Girl from Plainville,’ a riveting true crime thriller TV miniseries. This compelling series expertly reenacts the sad events surrounding Conrad Roy’s death and Michelle Carter’s subsequent conviction for involuntary manslaughter. Set in Massachusetts, it tells the horrific story of Conrad Roy’s 2014 suicide and the legal ramifications that followed, when Michelle Carter faced prosecution in 2017 for her role in his terrible death. Both ‘The Girl from Plainville’ and ‘Burning Body’ go deep into the nuances of real-life cases and the rich web of emotions and connections involved.
The Killing (2011-2014)
Adapted upon the Danish series ‘Forbrydelsen’ (‘The Crime,’ ‘The Killing’ is a crime drama television series created by Veena Sud. The show unfolds the unrelenting murder investigations spearheaded by the unyielding homicide investigators Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) in the sombre and evocative surroundings of Seattle, Washington. While the stories in ‘The Killing’ and ‘Burning Body’ are very different, they both examine the dark undercurrents of crime, delving into the psychological intricacies of their characters and the mysteries lurking beneath the surface of their individual narratives.
Worst Roommate Ever (2022)
‘Worst Housemate Ever’ is a terrifying Netflix docuseries directed by Domini Hofmann. It tells four horrifying stories about roommates with spiteful and occasionally violent agendas who turn their unsuspecting victims’ lives into terrifying real-life nightmares. While the format and theme of ‘Worst Housemate Ever’ and ‘Burning Body’ differ, they share a common thread of naïve humans falling victim to the cruel intentions of others.
Worst Housemate Ever’ investigates this issue through the prism of malevolent cohabitation, whilst ‘Burning Body’ digs into treacherous connections in a criminal environment. Both shows shed light on the risks hiding beneath the veneer of trust, prompting viewers to consider the true nature of individuals around them.
