The Asunta Case – Netflix Series Review

The Asunta Case on Netflix is a limited crime series based on the true story of Asunta Fong Yang Basterra Porto’s murder. It’s a case that also shook Spain when it happened. Read our full The Asunta Case series review here!

The Asunta Case is a new Netflix series about a true story. More specifically, it’s a true crime case presented in this limited crime series from Spain (org. title: El caso Asunta). It’s based on the tragic murder of 12-year-old Asunta Fong Yang Basterra Porto, just one week before her 13th birthday.

The case also shocked Spain, and if you look up the murder on Wikipedia, the details are pretty wild. Not just about the actual murder but also the time leading up to it. All elements are covered over the six episodes of the series. A very meticulous coverage of the case and impressive casting!

You can continue reading our The Asunta Case series review below. On Netflix from April 26, 2024.

Born in China, Killed in Spain

The Asunta Case focuses on the murder of Asunta Fong Yang Basterra Porto. In 2001, she was Asunta Fong Yang, when Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra adopted her from China. They were a “well-to-do couple” who were living in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

In fact, they were the very first couple from this area to adopt a child from China. Needless to say, the murder of Asunta resulted in some diplomatic issues between Spain and China as well. A minor issue compared to a murder case, but still a result of that very same crime.

Almost thirteen years after the Spanish couple adopted her, she was found dead. Her parents were the ones who reported her missing and begged the police to help find her. However, they were also later arrested for her murder. The question on everyone’s mind in Spain was: Why?

The casting of real people

In this series, most of the actors are cast to portray real-life people. Of course, this means it’s preferable to have actors that at least resemble those people. Well, with The Asunta Case, they absolutely nailed the casting.

First, there’s Candela Peña (Hierro) as Asunta’s mother, Rosario Porto. Second, we have Tristán Ulloa (The Snow Girl) portraying Asunta’s father, Alfonso Basterra. If you look at the actors on IMDb and find an image of the real people, you may not be able to see the immediate resemblance.

However, I can tell you that watching the series, they look eerily much like the actual Rosario and Alfonso. See a picture of them here to compare with the actor’s portrayals of them.

Aside from these two, the casting of The Asunta Case features so many well-known Spanish actors. There’s Javier Gutiérrez as Judge Malvar. He has been in movies such as Marshland (remade as Free Country), The Occupant, Below Zero, and Mirage.

María León (Sin Fin) as Agent Cristina Cruces, Carlos Blanco (Money Heist) as Agent Javier Ríos, and Francesc Orella (The Legacy of the Bones) as Juan José Dominguez. Finally, we get Raúl Arévalo (Santo) as Rodrigo Maneiro.

Watch The Asunta Case series on Netflix now!

This new limited thriller series based on a true story was directed by Carlos Sedes and Jacobo Martínez. The series was created by Ramón Campos (32 Malasaña Street), Gema R. Neira (Now & Then), Jon de la Cuesta (Estoy Vivo), and David Orea (Jaguar).

Also, there has already been made a documentary. It came out in 2017 and was directed by Ramón Campos. Yes, the very same Campos, who is a co-creator of this series. The documentary is El caso Asunta (Operación Nenúfar).

With the six episodes of this series, you’ll get a very good understanding of the case with respect for the victim. It’s the kind of story that tugs on your heartstrings while also making you angry.

The Asunta Case is on Netflix from April 26, 2024.

Details

Creators: Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira, Jon de la Cuesta, David Orea
Directors: Carlos Sedes, Jacobo Martínez
Cast: Candela Peña, Tristán Ulloa, Javier Gutiérrez, María León, Carlos Blanco, Iris Wu, Raúl Arévalo, Francesc Orella, Alicia Borrachero