Álvaro Cervantes
Adri
Overview
After a magical night together, Adri voluntarily turns himself into the psychiatric institution where Carla lives.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Rom-Com as Psych Ward Escape Hatch
I’ll admit it: I went into Crazy About Her expecting another Spanish Netflix rom-com with a meet-cute, a few quirky side characters, and a third-act misunderstanding that resolves in a sunlit plaza. What I got instead was a film that treats a psychiatric institution not as a gothic backdrop or a punchline, but as a place where people—flawed, funny, and deeply human—are trying to live their lives. That shift in setting doesn’t just change the scenery; it changes the rules of the genre.
The premise is deceptively simple. Adri (Álvaro Cervantes), a journalist, spends one electric night with Carla (Susana Abaitua), a woman who’s as unpredictable as she is magnetic. When he wakes up alone, he does something rom-com protagonists rarely do: he checks himself into the psychiatric hospital where she’s a patient.
Not to rescue her. Not to diagnose her. But because, as he tells his skeptical editor, “I need to see her again.” It’s a move that could easily tip into exploitation or melodrama, but the film—directed by Dani de la Orden with a light touch—chooses curiosity over judgment.
What if love isn’t about fixing someone, but about meeting them where they are?
The first act plays like a classic screwball comedy, with Adri navigating the hospital’s rhythms and rules. There’s a scene where he tries to blend in with the patients during group therapy, only to realize—too late—that he’s just agreed to share his deepest fear. The camera lingers on his face as he improvises, the humor coming not from the absurdity of the situation, but from the way his discomfort mirrors our own.
Audience Opinions
Limited evidence
Audience 6.8/10
"A charming but uneven romantic comedy with standout performances that struggle against a formulaic plot."
Viewers appreciate the chemistry between the leads and the film’s lighthearted tone, which keeps it engaging despite its predictable structure. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, the story’s reliance on familiar tropes and underdeveloped side characters leaves some wanting more depth and originality.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead chemistry Álvaro Cervantes and Susana Abaitua deliver a playful and believable dynamic that carries much of the film’s appeal.
- Lighthearted tone The movie’s breezy, feel-good vibe makes it an easy watch for fans of romantic comedies.
- Luis Zahera’s performance Zahera’s supporting role adds a layer of humor and charm that resonates with audiences.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The story follows well-worn romantic comedy tropes, offering few surprises for viewers familiar with the genre.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles feel thin and underutilized, detracting from the film’s overall impact.
- Lacks depth Some viewers find the emotional stakes too low, leaving the romance feeling superficial at times.
Recommended for
Romantic comedy fans Álvaro Cervantes fans Lighthearted movie lovers Spanish cinema enthusiasts
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Crazy About Her: Netflix’s Rom-Com with a Twist
Crazy About Her (2021), the Spanish rom-com directed by Dani de la Orden, arrived on Netflix with a fresh premise: a man fakes mental illness to reconnect with a woman he met during a one-night stand, only to find himself entangled in a psychiatric ward’s unexpected charms. Starring Álvaro Cervantes and Susana Abaitua, the film blends humor, romance, and a touch of drama—but what went into making this quirky love story? latestnetflix.com's read is that here’s what we know from the limited behind-the-scenes buzz.
A Director’s Signature Style
Dani de la Orden, born in Barcelona in 1989, has carved a niche in Spanish cinema with his knack for balancing comedy and heartfelt storytelling 
. While Crazy About Her isn’t his first rodeo—he’s directed hits like Barcelona Summer Night (2013) and The Motive (2017)—this Netflix original marked a shift toward a more mainstream, globally accessible tone. The film’s 102-minute runtime and rom-com structure suggest de la Orden’s ability to adapt to platform-driven demands without losing his directorial voice .
What’s less clear? Whether Netflix imposed creative constraints. The evidence doesn’t specify if the streaming giant had a hand in shaping the script, but de la Orden’s past work leans into character-driven narratives, so it’s plausible the core story remained intact .
The Chemistry That Sold the Film
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIE38Yzk-oI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO-yfYsMmWM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R98ZeM6GO2I
Álvaro Cervantes (Adri) and Susana Abaitua (Carla) are the film’s beating heart, and their on-screen chemistry became a talking point. Multiple YouTube clips highlight their kissing scenes, with fans dissecting the tension and tenderness between the leads . While the evidence doesn’t confirm whether the pair’s off-screen rapport mirrored their characters’ spark, the sheer volume of fan-edited kiss compilations suggests the sparks felt real to audiences.
Supporting cast members like Luis Zahera and Aixa Villagrán added depth to the psychiatric ward setting, but details about their behind-the-scenes dynamics are scarce. Rumor (unconfirmed) swirls that the ensemble’s improvisational skills elevated the film’s comedic timing, though no sources explicitly back this claim.
Mixed Reactions and a Polarizing Ending
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH7M3U-yrL8
Crazy About Her earned a modest 6.1/10 on SensCritique, with 516 votes signaling a divided reception . Some viewers praised its lighthearted take on mental health and unconventional romance, while others found the premise gimmicky. The ending, in particular, sparked debate, with YouTube explainers breaking down its emotional payoff (or lack thereof) .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYHR0EYLWj8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToWoR6tdxuY
Netflix’s marketing leaned into the film’s quirky trailer, which teased Adri’s chaotic plan to win Carla back . Reaction videos, like Jona’s Opinion, capture the initial intrigue—and skepticism—around the premise . Yet, without Rotten Tomatoes critic scores or audience reviews beyond SensCritique, the film’s critical legacy remains hazy .
The Netflix Effect: A Double-Edged Sword?
As a Netflix original, Crazy About Her benefited from global exposure but may have flown under the radar compared to buzzy titles like The Kissing Booth. The evidence doesn’t reveal box office numbers (if any) or streaming metrics, leaving its success hard to gauge. What’s clear? The film’s premise—love in a psychiatric ward—was bold enough to stand out in a crowded rom-com landscape, even if its long-term impact is still TBD.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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