Elite

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​“Elite” is a Spanish teen drama series that premiered on Netflix on October 5, 2018. Created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona, the show is set in Las Encinas, a fictional elite secondary school, and revolves around the relationships between three working-class students enrolled through a scholarship program and their wealthy classmates. The series combines elements of thriller and drama, exploring themes of class disparity, adolescent turmoil, and social dynamics.

Plot Overview

The narrative begins when three working-class teenagers—Samuel, Nadia, and Christian—receive scholarships to attend Las Encinas after their public school collapses. Their arrival at the exclusive institution ignites a clash between them and the affluent students, leading to intense relationships, conflicts, and ultimately, a murder that serves as a central mystery throughout the series.

Themes and Social Commentary

“Elite” delves into various pressing social issues, including:​Rotten Tomatoes+1New York Post+1

• Class Struggle: The juxtaposition of the working-class scholarship students against their wealthy peers highlights economic disparities and the challenges of social integration.​Wikipedia+4Rotten Tomatoes+4Netflix+4

• Sexuality and Identity: The series explores diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, portraying the characters’ journeys toward self-discovery and acceptance.​

• Discrimination and Prejudice: Issues such as racism, xenophobia, and homophobia are addressed, reflecting the biases present in contemporary society.​

• Family Dynamics: The show examines parental neglect, overprotection, and the impact of familial expectations on adolescents.​

By intertwining these themes with suspenseful storytelling, “Elite” offers a multifaceted portrayal of modern youth.​

Production and Development

Netflix announced the series order for “Elite” on July 17, 2017, marking it as the platform’s second Spanish original series after “Cable Girls.” Filming took place in the Madrid region, including San Lorenzo de El Escorial, with the picturesque mountains north of the capital often featured in the background. The first two seasons were shot entirely in 4K resolution. ​Wikipedia

Cast and Characters

The ensemble cast features a mix of established and emerging Spanish actors:​

• Itzan Escamilla as Samuel García Domínguez: A scholarship student determined to uncover the truth behind the central murder mystery.​

• Miguel Bernardeau as Guzmán Nunier Osuna: A wealthy student grappling with personal loss and complex relationships.​

• Mina El Hammani as Nadia Shanaa: A scholarship student of Palestinian descent who strives to balance her cultural heritage with her ambitions.​

• Álvaro Rico as Leopoldo “Polo” Benavent Villada: A privileged student whose actions have far-reaching consequences.​

• Ester Expósito as Carla Rosón Caleruega: An aristocratic student entangled in intricate romantic and familial dynamics.​

The series also introduced new characters in subsequent seasons, expanding the narrative scope and exploring additional perspectives.​

Critical Reception

“Elite” received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The first season holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.50/10 based on 14 reviews. The critical consensus praises the series for its “engaging drama and steamy thrills.” Reviewers have highlighted the show’s ability to blend guilty pleasure elements with insightful social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.​New York Post+4Rotten Tomatoes+4Wikipedia+4

Seasons and Episodes

The series comprises eight seasons, each consisting of eight episodes:​

1. Season 1 (2018): Introduces the central characters and the murder mystery.​

2. Season 2 (2019): Explores the aftermath of the murder and introduces new students.​

3. Season 3 (2020): Delves deeper into the characters’ secrets and resolves ongoing storylines.​

4. Season 4 (2021): Features a new principal and additional students, bringing fresh conflicts.​

5. Season 5 (2022): Continues to explore complex relationships and introduces new mysteries.​

6. Season 6 (2023): Focuses on the repercussions of previous events and character development.​

7. Season 7 (2023): Further explores the lives of the students with new challenges and dynamics.​

8. Season 8 (2024): Concludes the series, tying up loose ends and providing closure to the narrative arcs.​

Each season maintains a balance between resolving existing plotlines and introducing new intrigues, keeping the audience engaged throughout the series. ​Wikipedia

International Adaptations

The success of “Elite” led to international adaptations, including the Indian series “Class,” which premiered on Netflix on February 3, 2023. Set in New Delhi’s upscale Hampton International, “Class” mirrors the original’s premise, focusing on three new students from different backgrounds challenging the existing dynamics at the elite school. ​Wikipedia

Conclusion

“Elite” stands out as a compelling blend of teen drama and thriller, adeptly addressing complex social issues within an engaging narrative framework. Its exploration of class disparity, identity, and morality, coupled with a suspenseful plot and dynamic characters, has resonated with a global audience. As the series concludes with its eighth season, it leaves a lasting impact on the landscape of international television, exemplifying the potential of non-English language series to achieve worldwide acclaim.​

For a visual introduction to the series, you can watch the official trailer here: