Netflix has released "Final Project," a micro-drama thriller from Mexico that examines the complexities of cyberbullying and teenage secrets.
The series, comprised of twenty episodes each running between seven and ten minutes, centers on students at the private Campos Academy. Among them is Tamara, a transfer student who is frequently the target of cyberbullying and online threats from an anonymous individual who knows her past. Her friend, Dani, is documenting the school for a documentary, while the popular student Xavi and his girlfriend Samantha navigate their own social dynamics, which include Xavi's disturbing final project idea.
Tamara's documentary project also aims to explore cyberbullying, with plans to include Xavi to examine how a "victimizer becomes the victim." However, the anonymous online threats against Tamara escalate, causing her significant fear as the stalker reveals intimate details about her past. This storyline is interwoven with Xavi's own personal struggles, including a perceived disdain for women explored in one episode.
"Final Project" employs a fast-paced narrative structure characteristic of micro-dramas, pushing the story forward in its brief installments. While the short episode format could potentially limit character depth, the series' 20-episode count allows for nearly three hours of runtime, providing some space for character development. The connection forming between Tamara and Xavi, as they both appear to be using each other for their respective projects, is a developing aspect of the plot.
Daniela Martínez Caballero portrays Tamara, bringing an air of mystery to the character. The series carries a TV-MA rating, primarily for violence and mature themes, rather than explicit sexual content. Virgilio Delgado as Dani is highlighted for his potential to be more than he appears, possibly harboring feelings for Tamara and potentially being the anonymous online threat.
The series is noted for its exploration of themes common in teen dramas, such as wealthy families with absent parents, but focuses on a thriller narrative driven by suspense and mystery. The recommendation for "Final Project" is to "STREAM IT," with the series offering insight into its characters and building tension within its thriller framework.