Bad Influence

Netflix’s Bad Influence (2025): The Spanish Romantic Thriller Blurring Lines Between Protection and Obsession

Chloé Wallace’s directorial debut, Bad Influence (Spanish title: Mala Influencia), is set to drop on Netflix in 2025, blending romance, drama, and thriller elements in a story that pits a stubborn teen heiress against a mysterious stalker—with her ex-con bodyguard caught in the middle. The film marks Wallace’s first feature-length project after her success with the Netflix miniseries A Perfect Story, latestnetflix.com contends, and early buzz suggests it’s a high-stakes gamble for the streaming giant’s Spanish-language slate.

A Wattpad Story Turned Netflix Thriller

Bad Influence isn’t just another original film—it’s an adaptation of a Wattpad story, a platform known for birthing viral narratives that often leap to screen. While Netflix hasn’t revealed the exact source material, the decision to mine Wattpad for content aligns with its strategy of tapping into fan-driven stories with built-in audiences. Wallace, a Spanish-American filmmaker born in Madrid, brings a fresh perspective to the project, having previously worked on A Perfect Story, which earned her recognition in the industry.

The film’s premise—a wealthy heiress, Reese, and her bodyguard, Eros, navigating a dangerous stalker—sounds like a classic cat-and-mouse setup, but early descriptions hint at a deeper exploration of trust and power dynamics. Eros, an ex-convict, is hired to protect Reese, but their professional relationship quickly blurs into something more complicated. The tension between duty and desire is a familiar trope, but Wallace’s direction could elevate it beyond cliché, especially given her background in narrative-driven storytelling.

The Cast: Rising Stars and Familiar Faces

Leading the film are Alberto Olmo and Eléa Rochera, who play Eros and Reese, respectively. Olmo, a rising star in Spanish cinema, brings a gritty edge to the role of the ex-con bodyguard, while Rochera, known for her work in Elite and The Cook of Castamar, portrays the defiant heiress. Their chemistry will be key to selling the film’s central romance, which is already being marketed as a major selling point.

Supporting the leads is a mix of established and emerging talent. Enrique Arce, best known for Money Heist, plays a role that hasn’t been fully detailed but is likely pivotal given his experience in high-stakes dramas. Mirela Balić, Farid Bechara, and Sara Ariño round out the cast, adding depth to what promises to be a character-driven thriller. The ensemble suggests Netflix is betting on a blend of fresh faces and recognizable names to draw in audiences.

Netflix’s Spanish-Language Push

Bad Influence arrives as Netflix doubles down on Spanish-language content, a market where it’s seen significant growth. The film’s title, however, has already caused some confusion. Netflix released a documentary called Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing in April 2024, leading to early mix-ups among viewers. The streaming giant has since clarified that Mala Influencia is a separate project, though the overlap in branding could either help or hinder its visibility.

Wallace’s involvement is another feather in Netflix’s cap. After A Perfect Story resonated with audiences, the platform is likely hoping her directorial debut will replicate that success. The film’s blend of romance and thriller elements also aligns with Netflix’s strategy of producing genre-blending content that appeals to a broad audience. Whether Bad Influence can stand out in an increasingly crowded slate remains to be seen, but its premise and cast make it one to watch.

What’s Next?

As of now, Netflix hasn’t announced a release date beyond 2025, but production appears to be complete given the cast and crew details available. The film’s marketing will likely ramp up in the coming months, with trailers and promotional material teasing the dynamic between Olmo and Rochera. If early descriptions are any indication, Bad Influence could be a sleeper hit—especially if Wallace’s direction delivers on the tension and chemistry promised by the script.

For now, fans of Spanish-language thrillers and romantic dramas will have to wait, but the combination of a Wattpad adaptation, a rising director, and a strong cast suggests Bad Influence won’t be flying under the radar for long.