Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lavish Spanish mystery series has violence, smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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High Seas
What's the Story?
HIGH SEAS (Alta Mar) is a Spanish mystery thriller that takes place on a 1940s transatlantic liner sailing from Spain to Brazil. As sisters Eva (Ivana Baquero) and Carolina Villanueva (Alejandra Onieva) make their way to join their Uncle Pedro (José Sacristán) on board the luxurious ship the Barbara de Braganza, they run into a distressed young woman (played by Manuela Vellés) who claims to be escaping from her abusive husband. Much to the dismay of their maid, Francisca de García (Chiqui Fernández), and her daughter, Verónica (Begoña Vargas), the siblings sneak her onto the ship, which is owned by Carolina's fiancé, Fernando Fábregas (Eloy Azorín). What follows is a series of mysterious murders that Eva, a headstrong young writer, is determined to solve with the help of First Officer Nicolás Vázquez (Jon Korajarena). But she and Carolina soon realize that the truth behind what is happening is connected to some disturbing family secrets.
Is It Any Good?
Produced by the same studio responsible for popular series like Velvet, Grand Hotel, and Cable Girls, this entertaining Spanish period saga delivers a solid plotline filled with whodunits and dark, hidden family truths. As the series' stories progress and become more complicated, so do the well-crafted characters, especially that of the young but determined Eva (played by Pan's Labyrinth's Ivana Baquero).
High Seas tells a good story, but its historically accurate, and very elaborate, set designs and detailed period costumes are especially captivating. Meanwhile, the lavish transatlantic ocean liner itself serves as a quiet character, and the only one who knows the absolute truth behind everything that is happening. If you like period mysteries and high drama, you'll enjoy binge-watching this one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about historical fiction. High Seas is set in the 1940s, but what makes it relevant today? What kind of research went into developing the set design, costumes, and aspects of the series to ensure accuracy? Why is it necessary for telling this particular story?
What makes a good mystery or thriller? Does it have to be violent in order to create suspense or to increase the narrative tension? Are there other ways of doing this while adhering to the genre?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 24, 2019
- Cast : Ivana Baquero , Alejandra Onieva , Jon Korajarena , Fernando Fábregas
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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