Netflix puts the spotlight on rural Spain with Animal, a comedy of everyday entanglements led by Luis ZaheraThe fiction series has a popular appeal: short episodes, relatable characters, and a touch of local color that invites you to watch it in one sitting without losing its critical eye.
After the success of titles such as Entrevías, the production company Alea Media collaborates again with the Galician actor in a story set in his homeland. Here, Zahera abandons the villain archetype to embody Antón, a veterinarian who must starting from scratch in an environment you don't control and that tests him both professionally and personally.
Synopsis and tone
Anton sees how the rural crisis leaving him without income and no room for maneuver. With no bills paid, he accepts his niece Uxía's (Lucía Caraballo) proposal: to move to a pet boutique where dog grooming salons and premium feed replace cows and horses.
The clash is head-on: demanding owners, quaint diagnoses, and an ecosystem that experiences the bond with animals very differently than the protagonist. There are hints of a "grumpy doctor" in a veterinary tone, but the humor leans toward a close and friendly tone, with a lively rhythm that avoids underlining.
The series starts with a visual bite: Antón performs chain jobs on farms and, instead of money, he is paid in food; the situation borders on the absurd when, to top it all off, He can't even enjoy what he receivesThis opening makes the type of comedy clear: costumbrist, with a social perspective, and without stridency.
Beyond the store, lines of conflict emerge that focus on the economic pressure on the primary sector and how some shortcuts can be tempting for those going through a rough patch. It also highlights the generational gap between a professional by trade and a young boss who pushes him to retrain.
Cast and creative team
The weight falls on Luis Zahera, accompanied by Lucia Caraballo like Uxía, the optimistic and decisive counterpoint of the story. Names such as Antonio Durán 'Morris', Carmen ruiz y Ernesto Chao, in addition to appearances by Nuno Gallego, adam jezierski, Lucia Veiga o Darío Loureiro that enrich the mosaic of characters.
Behind the scenes, the creation is in the hands of Victor Garcia Leon, which he also directs with Alberto de ToroThe script is signed by García León with Ana Boyero, Araceli Álvarez de Sotomayor, German Aparicio y Dani Castro. The executive production includes Aitor gabilondo y Jota Aceytuno, with Alea Media as a seal of trust.
The result is a choral cast and a skilled team that underpin a comedy that seeks balance between lightness and social commentary, without losing sight of the appeal of seeing Zahera in a less common register.
Release date and episodes
Subscribers will be able to see Animal on Netflix starting Friday October 3The season consists of 8 episodes approximately 25-30 minutes, a format designed for hassle-free entry and exit or for a comfortable weekend marathon.
The episodic structure prioritizes cases and situations that are resolved without major fireworks, which favors a accessible narrative that works both chapter by chapter and as a whole.
Galician filming and setting
The production was filmed entirely in Galicia, with special presence from the province of A Coruña. Pazo Dioño (Touro) It is used for Anton's house and the Donicio Farm (Arzúa) It serves as the basis for farm plots, bringing authenticity to everyday rural life.
Other recognizable enclaves are pontemaceira, Teo, Vedra, Cecebre (Cambre) y Santiago de CompostelaThe story places his experiences in the fictional town of Topomorto, which combines these locations and highlights a Galicia far removed from the stereotype of drug trafficking, with its own accent and landscapes that complement the comedy.
With a look that combines custom and modernity, Animal It offers a journey through the contrast between countryside and city, tradition and new sensibilities, love for animals and the rules of the market. A light yet thoughtful approach, designed for those looking to create a smile without sacrificing a recognizable background.
