Centauro

Netflix’s Centauro (2022): The High-Octane Spanish Thriller That Divided Fans

Daniel Calparsoro’s Centauro (2022) arrived on Netflix with the promise of adrenaline-fueled action, but its reception was as mixed as its high-speed chases. The Spanish-language film, set against the gritty backdrop of illegal street racing and drug trafficking, stars Àlex Monner as Rafa, a former motorcycle racer drawn back into the criminal underworld to save his brother. latestnetflix.com's take is that with a runtime of just 89 minutes, the movie packs in relentless stunts, brutal violence, and a polarizing finale—but not everyone was convinced the ride was worth the hype.

A Director’s Signature Style, or Over-the-Top Chaos?

Calparsoro, known for his visceral, fast-paced filmmaking (Combustion, The Warning), leans hard into Centauro’s high-stakes premise. The film’s action sequences—particularly its motorcycle stunts—have been praised as some of the most intense in recent Spanish cinema. Trailers and clips showcase slick, high-speed chases through urban streets, with bikes flipping, skidding, and barely avoiding disaster. Yet, critics argue the breakneck pacing leaves little room for character development or narrative depth.

One YouTube critic called it "a movie that lacks something to hold onto" , while SensCritique users rated it a lukewarm 4.9/10 . The Rotten Tomatoes consensus remains elusive , but the divide is clear: Centauro delivers spectacle, not subtlety.

Cast Chemistry and Controversial Endings

The ensemble cast—led by Monner, Begoña Vargas (Elite), and Édgar Vittorino—brings a mix of raw intensity and questionable plausibility. Vargas, in particular, stands out as Lola, a ruthless drug trafficker with a personal vendetta. Her dynamic with Monner’s Rafa drives much of the film’s tension, though some viewers found their motivations underdeveloped.

The ending, however, sparked the most debate. A YouTube explainer breaks down the final act’s twists, which some called "shocking" and others "nonsensical." Without spoiling details, the climax leans into Centauro’s over-the-top ethos, leaving audiences either exhilarated or eye-rolling.

Behind the Scenes: Netflix’s Gamble on Spanish Action

Centauro’s production details are scarce, but its Netflix release suggests the streamer’s push into non-English action content. The film’s international appeal is evident in its multilingual trailers , though its reception outside Spain remains uneven. Rumors of on-set tension or budget constraints haven’t surfaced in the available evidence, but the movie’s lean runtime (89 minutes) hints at a tight shoot .

One unverified but persistent rumor is that the motorcycle stunts were performed by professional racers, not stunt doubles—a claim that would explain the film’s visceral realism. However, without official confirmation, this remains speculative.

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fun Ride

Centauro won’t win awards for its story, but it delivers exactly what its trailers promise: high-speed thrills, brutal confrontations, and a relentless pace. For fans of Calparsoro’s work or action films like Fast & Furious, it’s a solid, if forgettable, watch. For others, it’s a missed opportunity—a movie that could’ve been more than just a series of explosive set pieces.

If you’re in the mood for mindless action with a Spanish twist, Centauro might just scratch that itch. Just don’t expect a deep dive into its characters—or a finale that makes perfect sense.