HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

'The Asunta Case' Review: Candela Peña and Tristán Ulloa deliver powerful performances in Netflix's true crime series

A seemingly perfect family unravels in 'The Asunta Case', a gripping true-crime drama on Netflix

If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Child help National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.

GALICIA, SPAIN: 'The Asunta Case', now streaming on Netflix, rips the veil off a real-life tragedy. Directed by Carlos Sedes and Jacobo Martinez, this gripping saga explores the horrifying murder of Asunta Basterra, a young girl days shy of her 13th birthday.

Candela Peña and Tristán Ulloa lead a stellar cast as the series meticulously unravels the events surrounding this heartbreaking case.

'The Asunta Case' is more than just a true-crime story - it's a poignant exploration of a mystery that sent shockwaves through Spain, demanding answers and leaving no viewer untouched. 

Netflix's 'The Asunta Case' unveils a shocking tragedy through investigation POV

Netflix's 'The Asunta Case' plunges viewers into the heartbreaking and chilling true story of Asunta Basterra.

The series opens with a seemingly ordinary couple, Rosario Porto (Candela Peña), a lawyer, and Alfonso Basterra (Tristán Ulloa), a journalist, yearning for a child. Their journey leads them to adopt Asunta Yong Fang (later known as 'Asunta Yong Fang Basterra Porto'), a bright and blossoming young girl from China.

The facade of a happy family soon crumbles as the narrative unfolds. Marital discord tears Porto and Basterra apart, culminating in their separation after Basterra discovers infidelity. A sinister twist emerges as the series reveals the parents begin drugging Asunta, a gifted child excelling in ballet and academics.

The once vibrant young girl becomes shrouded in a veil of confusion and drowsiness, blamed on allergies. Tragedy strikes as 13-year-old Asunta is found dead, her body dumped on a forest trail.

The series delves into the investigation, uncovering a horrifying truth. Prosecutors allege a meticulously planned murder, with Porto suffocating Asunta and disposing of the body. Evidence points to both parents' involvement, with Basterra's disturbing internet history and Porto's past expressions of resentment towards Asunta raising unsettling questions.

'The Asunta Case' doesn't shy away from the complexities of the case. The series portrays the agonizing trial where Porto claims a home invasion and both vehemently deny their roles in their daughter's demise. Ultimately, they are sentenced to 18 years in prison, leaving viewers to grapple with the incomprehensible motives behind this unthinkable crime.

Candela Peña and Tristan Ulloa's performances in 'The Asunta Case' raises eyebrows

Netflix's 'The Asunta Case' takes viewers on a harrowing journey through a real-life tragedy. Candela Peña and Tristán Ulloa deliver chilling performances as Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra, a couple whose seemingly ordinary life unravels into something far more sinister.

Peña portrays Rosario with a chilling ambiguity. We see the facade of a loving mother crumble as the narrative progresses. Her subtle shifts in demeanor, from a concerned parent to someone harboring a dark secret, are masterfully conveyed.

Ulloa portrays Alfonso's character with an unsettling charm that masks a potential darkness lurking beneath the surface. Their on-screen chemistry (in-crime) perfectly captures the complexities of their deteriorating relationship, leaving the audience questioning their true intentions.

As the series delves into the investigation, Peña and Ulloa navigate the emotional turmoil with remarkable depth. The trial scenes showcase their exceptional talent. Peña's portrayal of Rosario's desperate attempts to cling to innocence is worth watching, while Ulloa's portrayal of Alfonso's unwavering denial is laced with a subtle unease.

'The Asunta Case' is a true-crime-based investigation story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

'The Asunta Case' is available for streaming on Netflix