Netflix has released "The Map of Longing," a Spanish series based on the novel by Alice Kellen, which centers on Greta Álvarez (Alícia Falcó) as she navigates the grief following the death of her older sister, Lucy (Georgina Amorós). The series begins with a stark reminder of Greta's origins, as a voiceover states, "Most people don’t know how they came into the world. I do," accompanied by an image of sperm being injected into an egg.
Greta's life has been shaped by her sister's chronic illness. As a child, Greta was genetically selected as a bone marrow donor for Lucy, who was battling leukemia. While the transplant offered a period of remission, allowing the sisters to grow close, Lucy's body eventually rejected the cells. Lucy passed away at 26, leaving Greta to cope with her loss while dealing with her parents' emotional struggles.
On Lucy's birthday, Greta encounters Will Tucker (Pablo Álvarez), a stranger who presents her with a game Lucy had prepared. Encased in a book-shaped box, "The Map of Longing" contains a series of challenges designed by Lucy for Greta to undertake after her death, with Will acting as her guide. Initially hesitant and skeptical, Greta is urged by Will to engage with the game, which Lucy intended as a path for Greta to process her grief and discover her own identity.
The dynamic between Greta and Will is marked by initial friction but quickly develops an undeniable spark. As they begin the challenges, which include attending a support group for grieving individuals, Greta starts to learn more about Will, who reveals he was born in Wales but has spent most of his life in Spain working as a bartender, hinting at a complex past. The series draws comparisons to the emotional tone of shows like "This Is Us."
"The Map of Longing" uses the game as a structural device to explore Greta's journey of self-discovery and her complex relationship with her deceased sister. The narrative suggests that Lucy had an intuition about Will and Greta's ability to support each other, bringing them together. The chemistry between Falcó and Álvarez is noted as a key element, with their banter evident from their early scenes.
While Greta's parents and grandfather are present, they are depicted as figures in Greta's life that she interacts with as part of her journey, rather than deeply developed characters at this stage. The series focuses primarily on Greta and Will's evolving relationship and Greta's internal exploration. Georgina Amorós is recognized for her role as Lucy, embodying the memory of the sister through visions and flashbacks.
The show includes a scene where Greta has a sexual encounter, though the focus is expected to shift away from this particular relationship. A poignant moment occurs when Lucy's favorite song plays in the bar where Will works, evoking sadness and memories for Greta, who receives an empathetic hug from Will.
"The Map of Longing" is recommended for streaming, with its emotional depth and the strong performances of its lead actors contributing to its appeal.