“Elite” is a popular Spanish drama-thriller series on Netflix that explores the intense lives of students at the fictional Las Encinas, an elite high school for Spain’s wealthiest. Created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona, the show tackles themes such as love, crime, betrayal, social class disparity, and identity. Since its debut in 2018, “Elite” has gained international acclaim for its daring storyline, dynamic characters, and unexpected plot twists, making it one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English series. With 8 seasons, each new season introduces fresh storylines and characters, keeping the suspense and intrigue alive for audiences worldwide.
Plot Summary
The main story begins with a group of working-class students who receive scholarships to attend Las Encinas after their school collapses. Their arrival triggers class conflicts, which soon evolve into drama-filled scenarios involving love, jealousy, and even murder. Each season explores a new mystery while diving deeper into the lives and complexities of the students. Themes such as sexuality, identity crises, and family dynamics are interwoven, providing a multifaceted view of teenage life in a high-pressure environment.
| Genre |
|
|---|---|
| Created by |
|
| Starring | see List of Elite characters |
| Composer | Lucas Vidal |
| Country of origin | Spain |
| Original language | Spanish |
| No. of seasons | 8 |
| No. of episodes | 64 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Francisco Ramos |
| Production locations | Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid |
| Cinematography |
|
| Editors |
|
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 41–61 minutes 10–15 minutes (short stories) |
| Production company | Zeta Producciones |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | 5 October 2018 – 26 July 2024 |
Main Cast by Season
Each season of “Elite” introduces new faces while featuring familiar characters, creating an evolving cast that keeps the storyline fresh. Below is a list of notable actors across all eight seasons:
- Season (2018):
- María Pedraza as Marina Nunier
- Itzan Escamilla as Samuel García
- Miguel Herrán as Christian Varela
- Jaime Lorente as Nano García
- Ester Expósito as Carla Rosón
- Mina El Hammani as Nadia Shanaa
- Álvaro Rico as Polo Benavent
- Omar Ayuso as Omar Shanaa
- Miguel Bernardeau as Guzmán Nunier
- Season (2019):
- Georgina Amorós as Cayetana Grajera
- Claudia Salas as Rebeca de Bormujo
- Jorge López as Valerio Montes
- Season (2020):
- Leïti Sène as Malick D.
- Sergio Momo as Yeray
- Season (2021):
- Manu Ríos as Patrick Blanco
- Carla Díaz as Ari Blanco
- Martina Cariddi as Mencía Blanco
- Pol Granch as Phillipe Florian
- Season (2022):
- Valentina Zenere as Isadora Artiñán
- André Lamoglia as Iván Carvalho
- Adam Nourou as Bilal Ibrahim
- Season (2022):
- Carmen Arrufat as Sara
- Álvaro de Juana as Dídac
- Ana Bokesa as Rocío
- Ander Puig as Nico
- Alex Pastrana as Raúl
- Season (2023):
- Mirela Balic as Chloe
- Fernando Líndez as Eric
- Gleb Abrosimov as Joel
- Iván Mendes as Martín
- Alejandro Albarracín as Javier
- Season (2024):
- Aitor Luna
- Nadia Al Saidi as Plays Sonia
- Maribel Verdú
Filming Locations
“Elite” is filmed primarily in and around Madrid, Spain, with the campus scenes shot at European University in Villaviciosa de Odón. The picturesque backdrop of Madrid contributes to the show’s luxurious and cinematic quality, enhancing the ambiance of Las Encinas. Many scenes also take place in modern, upscale settings, from grandiose mansions to scenic Spanish landscapes, adding an extra layer of richness to the storyline. Iconic locations in Madrid, such as La Moraleja and the lavish villas in Pozuelo de Alarcón, have been utilized, contributing to the realistic portrayal of wealth and exclusivity.
Directors
The series is directed by various filmmakers who have brought unique styles to each season, shaping “Elite” into a multi-dimensional narrative:
- Dani de la Orden – Directed several episodes across the early seasons, establishing the show’s initial tone.
- Ramón Salazar – Contributed to the mystery and intensity of the early seasons with his nuanced direction.
- Silvia Quer – Directed select episodes in later seasons, introducing fresh elements and further developing character arcs.
- Jorge Torregrossa – His direction brought a cinematic quality, especially during the show’s most intense episodes.
- Lino Escalera – Known for crafting emotional depth and realism, Escalera directed some of the later seasons’ critical episodes.
- Eduardo Chapero-Jackson – Contributed to the layered storytelling and character-centric approach in the latest seasons.
Conclusion
“Elite” combines teenage angst with high-stakes drama, making it a standout show on Netflix. Its rotating cast keeps the narrative fresh, while Madrid’s luxurious locales give the story an authentic atmosphere. As the series approaches its final season, “Elite” continues to hold a loyal fanbase, eager for every twist and turn that unfolds at Las Encinas. Whether for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, or stunning visuals, “Elite” has undoubtedly cemented itself as a significant piece of modern Spanish television on a global scale.
