Is Netflix’s 1992 Based On A True Story?

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s 1992.

Netflix‘s 1992 features many realistic plot lines and relatable characters, making it hard not to question whether it is based on a true story. When it comes to serial killer thrillers, some seem to directly adapt the stories of people involved in real-life violent crimes. For instance, Netflix’s controversial series, Monster, picks one real-life serial killer in each season and walks through their series of crimes and potential motivations for committing murders. Then there are other shows that only draw from real-life events surrounding serial killers but adopt original narratives.

Prime Video‘s Cross is the perfect example of this because, even though it features many references to real-life serial killers, its central serial killer character is fictional. The approach taken by Netflix’s 1992 seems quite similar to Prime Video’s Alex Cross adaptation because, despite having many fictional elements in its narrative, the show tries to include a semblance of realism. While it is arguable whether 1992’s approach works effectively, it manages to ground the show in a world that feels both relatable and terrifying.

1992 Is Not Based On A True Story

The Show Gives Realistic Backstories To Its Characters

As realistic as some elements of 1992 may seem, the TV show is not based on a true story. Many aspects of the central Flamethrower Killer’s methods and motives also seem a little over-the-top in the Netflix Spanish show. However, the show manages to add many layers of realism to the character by backing his actions with a solid backstory. Even when it comes to the other characters in the series, 1992 makes them seem more human and relatable by giving a glimpse of what their lives look like beyond the central mysteries and story beats surrounding them.

For instance, 1992 realistically portrays how a character named Richi loses everything from his job to his family due to alcoholism. The show highlights how, despite losing everything, Richi struggles to break the cycles of the toxic habit. There are even moments in the series where he decides to go cold turkey. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he struggles to control his alcoholism, which significantly holds him back from realizing his true potential as an investigator. Beyond this, 1992 also interestingly adopts some real-life plot devices to effectively immerse viewers in its crime drama.

Seville’s Expo 1992 & The Curro Mascot Are Real

Netflix’s 1992 Adopts A Real Setting In Its Past Timeline

1992‘s title refers to the Seville Expo ’92, which was a real event that celebrated the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus reaching America after setting sail from Seville’s port. As shown in the movie, Curro was the fair’s official mascot, representing a giant white bird with the legs of an elephant and a rainbow-colored beak. Unlike the Expo portrayed in Netflix’s 1992, however, the real one was a success, and its pavilions were only dismantled after its completion.

No one died during the events surrounding the original fair and no real-life serial killer ever used the fair’s mascot as a mask while committing crimes. In the show, a bunch of powerful men also use the Seville Expo ’92 as a platform to illegally demand money from the government. 1992‘s account of this is entirely fictional because there is no evidence of any such corrupt activities unfolding during the fair.

Amparo, played by Marian Álvarez, searches for answers after the mysterious death of her husband in an explosion. With the help of Richi, an alcoholic former police officer played by Fernando Valdivielso, he discovers a series of murders in Seville during Expo ’92, where the victims appear burned next to a Curro doll, the event’s mascot.

Release Date

December 13, 2024

Main Genre

Mystery

Number of Episodes

6

Cast

Marian Álvarez , Fernando Valdivielso , Paz Vega , Carlos Santos

Creator(s)

Jorge Guerricaechevarría , Álex de la Iglesia

Seasons

1

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