The Boarding School (2007–2010) User Reviews (31)

Unusual mix of genres, a bit silly but addictive

[StevenCapsuto · 8/10 · 12 March 2008]

Something evil is happening in the hidden passageways under the remote, exclusive Black Lagoon Boarding School. (You'd think the name would tip people off, wouldn't you?) A group of intrepid Spanish high schoolers risk their lives to investigate three decades' worth of mayhem.

The tone veers from suspense to sentimentality, from dramedy to melodrama. The plot twists are certainly complicated, to the point where they're a bit much after a while -- how much evildoing can possibly go on in one school? But as teen adventure serials go, it's pretty addictive.

A friend from Spain showed me a few episodes because he knows I like some of the actors in the cast: the wonderful Amparo Baró, formerly of "Siete vidas"; the versatile Luis Merlo, formerly of "Aquí no hay quien viva"; and singer/dancer/actress Natalia Millán, formerly of "Un paso adelante," who also starred on stage in the 2005-2006 Spanish revival of "Cabaret." The actors who play the kids, none of whom I'd heard of before, are also fantastic.

A very well written story with lots of drama and awesome cast!

[tedi-ruseva · 9/10 · 8 May 2011]

Nothing is as it seems at the school called "Laguna Negra". Mysteries, secret organizations, murders, love, passion, conflicts, need for justice, lies but most importantly the power of friendship and solidarity are the things that you will encounter if you watch "El Internado". With every new season we start to see a much bigger picture and conspiracy that reveals the true selves of each of the characters.

I have watched all of the episodes of El Internado and I must say it is a show worth watching. It is quite thrilling and dramatic, even funny at the right moments. The characters and story lines are very well developed and the plot twists are sometimes so unexpected that the viewer is never left with "oh, this episode was a waste of time".

The main story involves the lives of the sixteen-year-old Carolina, Ivan, Vicky, Julia, Roque and Marcos who accidentally start uncovering information about horrible crimes that have happened in the school years ago. Soon they find that their investigations endanger their lives but despite of their fear, they are too involved in the events to just return to their normal lives.

The school staff also has an important role in the story, one that reveals itself in time. The waves of secrets do not miss the children in the show as well – Marcos's curious five-year-old sister Paula and her best friend Evelyn who are always in the middle of a mischief. It is always a joy to watch those two girls find themselves into trouble!

My favorite actors from the series are Yon González who plays the arrogant and rebellious Ivan Noiret and Blanca Suárez (currently playing in the series "El Barco"), portraying the provocative and beautiful Julia Medina. The whole cast is incredible, though, and I hope to see more of them on screen.

Addictive! Even with having to read sub-titles on Netflix.

[timandeb · 9/10 · 7 September 2015]

Being an English speaking couple only, choosing to watch a Spanish 7 season show wasn't what we envisioned doing. But after I had watched two episodes I decided I needed to start it over with my wife also watching. Episode after episode we grew more involved with the characters, which focuses more on the group of kids ranging from 17 to 6 or 7. The twists involved in this well written plot are pure addictive. Watching what we have seen so far (seasons 1-6) has taken us through so many emotions, it came to be all we thought about and couldn't wait to get back on Netflix to continue the drama. One regret is we should have counted just how many times Paula and her friend Evelyn hugged, it was cute and heart-warming. Though there were cheesy moments at times and so many stupid decisions or reactions that left us yelling at the characters, the twists in the writing made us speechless at times. We would recommend to anyone that has Netflix give it a chance. Even though we don't understand any Spanish, we also found that having the volume down didn't work for us, we needed the music, the tone and emotion in their voices. We don't know what season 7 will bring, and don't want it to end. The finale for season 6 is still sinking in, so dramatic.

Now the complete series on Netflix

[imyjr · 10/10 · 20 July 2015]

Yes.... it's on Netflix and with English subtitles!!!!!!!!!!!! Well worth watching from the first episode. Great for binge watching. The plot merits such viewing, and being so addictive, you will find it hard to stop or take a break. The acting is superb from everybody. One has to sustain disbelief, not think too much about things: should one not be seeing more students? Should not the faculty be larger? Shouldn't there be more servants? Ultimately, these questions do not matter as suspense and intrigue is built with what one gets without need for extras. This is a very engaging series and very enjoyable to watch several episodes together.

That sheep milk really kicks it up a notch!

[humphreys-828-116926 · 9/10 · 12 November 2018]

The cool thing about this show is that it doesn't leave you waiting very long for something to happen. I think its very well written.

I don't know but something about it just made me want to send a package with Mailboxes Etc, drink sheep's milk, buy a Toshiba Computer and Rat Poison.

But seriously its fun to watch for me because i know some spanish but not enough to do without subtitles. I think they only say 'vale' in spain.

Absolutely Loved It

[downinek-77956 · 8/10 · 12 January 2017]

A few years ago while I was living in Spain, I went to see the movie "Perdiendo El Norte" that starred Yon Gonzalez and Blanca Suarez. The girl I went with mentioned how the two actors were on a TV show she absolutely loved about a school where weird things happened. Ever since then, I had a desire to watch this show. I finally got Netflix over the summer and I started to watch El Internado to help maintain my Spanish.

This was not the show I had expected to watch, but wow, it blew me away. I thought it would be ghosts and monsters and things like that, but it was so much more. There are things that happen in the first episode of the first season that link to the final episode of the final season. It is an incredibly planned out show with such attention to detail. I mean, yes, sometimes I do find a few inconsistencies, but overall, just wow.

On top of that, Yon Gonzales and Matiño Rivas are such great eye candy. I also really increased my knowledge of Spanish slang.

It took me a while to get through because the episodes are over an hour long each, but when I had a long break from working, I just charged through the episodes, staying up until 4 AM watching because WOW. Just go watch. Even if you don't understand Spanish, go put on some English subtitles! It's a fun ride with some really unpredictable story lines.

A bit cheesy, a bit silly, but absolutely addictive, with very well built suspense and an excellent cast!

[soneagu · 10/10 · 13 March 2018]

I know there will be viewers who will complain about unrealistic developments, with tons of situations when you think the plot and monsters will be revealed, only to see that another villain will intervene and stop it (and not only). Oh well, it's tough to go on 7 seasons without downsides, but the truth is that the scenario is solid and the cast is absolutely lovely with excellent actor skills. You'll fall in love with all of them, good and bad guys equally because they really know how to act.

Theme is very interesting, because the evilest dark spot shadowing the 20th century that is nazism will haunt us forever. The courage of those kids is kind of unrealistic, but gives us all hope that humanity in us will prevail and we'll keep fighting, disregarding our own persons, against an unfairly threatening evil. Also remember that adolescents are idealistic and optimistic and careless and when you put all these in balance, you don't see their actions as nonsensical. I enjoyed it as probably plenty of other viewers.

ASOMBROSO ESTUPENDO ESPECTÁCULO !!!!!!!!!! MAS

[Peanut7139 · 10/10 · 2 May 2018]

Once again another amazing show from Netflix international. I wanted to binge watch this show just like (Winter Sun - Kis Günesi (TV Series 2016). These two shows are unlike anything I have seen. Amazing Acting, Amazing storyline. The cast well what can I say but superb acting, especially the two busy body little girls. I wish this was a series that had at least 15 years worth of seasons. I can watch and watch this show. Now I have to see if I can buy this on a DVD set or not. I couldn't find Winter Sun available but I would love to have these as a purchase. They are worth the watch and for me to have. I can't talk about the show, you should watch it.I love that this show as well as Winter Sun does not let you know what is about to happen. I like being kept in suspense. Writer, Producer and Director, Amazing work and the Award goes to you all. I so love you in the series Raúl Fernández de Pablo, it so hurt my heart. muchísimas gracias!

A good drama, thriller, mystery and romance

[jamaud · 9/10 · 24 April 2014]

Excellent, I just wish I could find it with English subtitles. My Spanish is limited and I'm sure I missed some of the subtleties.

That said it is still excellently written, acted and directed. With a plot that twists and turns.

Although based in a boarding school, the plot is suitable for adults.

A good drama, thriller, mystery and romance. Whoever you think is a goodie at the beginning is probably a baddie and vice versa. One of the episodes is entitled "everyone has secrets" something so true and the writers are not frightened to kill off characters. The final episode had me in tears.

A little cheesy, but fun

[reixin · 7/10 · 25 March 2017]

I tend to like shows that are centered around unraveling a mystery with just a touch of creepiness woven in. This show seemed to hit the spot, though it ended up being much more of a convoluted drama than I had anticipated. Turns out it is addictive too. It is a bit ridiculous at times.. and a bit cheesy.. but highly entertaining. As a bonus I have picked up some bits of Spanish (I've never even taken a Spanish class).Nothing terribly useful though, but now I do know how to tell someone they are lying to me, call them a liar or say I don't believe them. (There is so much lying going on in this show that I actually learned multiple ways to express or deal with lying in Spanish).I keep thinking that if people just told the truth, it would shave off about 5 seasons worth of content. Of course, what is the fun in that? Despite the flaws, I am thoroughly enjoying this show at the moment.

The best series I've ever seen

[maria_vcf · 8/10 · 20 April 2016]

El Internado is a Spanish series, which you could see a few years ago in a Antena 3(a Spanish TV channel). Seems to be a normal boarding school called "Laguna Negra", but while you are watching it you realize that strange things happen all over there. Mysteries, love, lies, conflicts, secret organizations are all over that school. A group of six students which are friends are the ones who started accidentally discovering information about things that happened in the school years ago. You then get hooked on what is going to happen next or what are they going to discover. Highly recommended series especially if you are learning Spanish.

Interesting show, but can be VERY stupid

[JupiHornet · 6/10 · 14 August 2019]

One of my Spanish classes in high school watched a few episodes of this show and I decided to watch the rest myself. It's been a while so my memory's a bit hazy, but I remember thinking that the show was okay overall. There are 7 seasons, and the conflict seems quite simple in Seasons 1 and 2. Around the time Season 5 starts, things start to pick up a little, and Season 7 is absolutely insane in just how massive the conflict gets. It's impossible to predict where the show goes, and that makes it a fun watch that always leaves you wondering what will happen next.

The characters are very likable overall (particularly the main ensemble; Julia in particular is one of my favorite characters ever), and the show does a good job at making you feel attached to them. However, this show's antagonists are some of the most evil I've ever seen and are great at making you hate them with a passion.

All of that said, the show gets REALLY stupid at points, especially in the later seasons. Season 7 in particular had so many insane plot twists that they started to become annoying and predictable. The show is also a mystery/thriller kind of show with some supernatural elements, but it's one of those shows that tries to make you think it's a horror when it really isn't. I can't even count the number of times there's one of those "fake jumpscares" where they play the startling sound when it turns out to just be someone walking past a room or something like that. It's frustrating because it feels like the show is trying way too hard to be scary when it really isn't (although it can be VERY disturbing at times). In addition, the show is somewhat unrealistic; the resolution of the last episode is pretty much only obtained through dumb luck. There are a lot of parts where the protagonists really only get anywhere because the story says they should, not because of things they did themselves.

Overall, I do think this show is worth watching, even if it can be stupid. If you're interested in Spanish and want to see some Spanish media, this might be worth a watch.

All the cheap horror movies' topics that you've seen before

[anianoh · 4/10 · 22 June 2017]

This series contains all the topics common in cheap horror movies, but they are so predictable that turn out to be more laughable than scary. Nothing new that one hasn't seen before. You can stop watching an episode for 10 minutes, come back and guess what happened during that time. It adds some elements to the underlying story: the tenderness for the orphan little girl, the teenagers' love conflicts, the adults betrayals, etc. All this with an underlying atmosphere of a "progressive education environment" for spoiled rich kids. And, you've got to be cute to be in these series! Avoid it.

Suspenseful

[jleeharris-36991 · 10/10 · 11 April 2019]

Suspicious events are prevalent in an elite boarding school in Spain. Nazis, killer viruses, genetic manipulation, murders and romance all come together to make this a suspenseful Spanish tv series. The younger students at the school add humor with their escapades, the funniest when they sign the elderly school administrator up for a sex dating site. The writing is great and, the acting excellent. Some of the situations don't make much scientific sense, but everything makes perfect sense when the acting is this good . Standouts were the late Amparo Baro as the feisty and sarcastic administrator, Yon Gonzalez as the lovable teenage jerk and Blanca Suarez as his female counterpart.

El Internado

[angiruiz95 · 10/10 · 10 March 2009]

I'm Spanish and when this TV series is going on I stop whatever I'm doing, it is absolutely wonderful. When you have seen from the first episode it is easier to understand. Carol(Ana de Armas, Vicky (Elena Furiase), Marcos (Martín Rivas) and Iván (Yon González) are the principal characters. Yon González and Martín Rivas are future Oscar winners as they act marvelously. The series is set in a boarding school in Spain. Strange things start to happen and they have to believe only in themselves. People are trying to kill them, they discover things about a very old business in transplanting bodies and in the last episode of the last season that has been emitted tells us that we're talking about a Nazi corporation.

The best show I have ever watched in Netflix

[elondono · 10/10 · 5 December 2018]

I could not stop watching it. Horror,romance, violance, a very interesting plot and the actors are just the best. I would recommend it to any one older than 14 because its language is not appropiate for younger viewers. I loved it!

You need to watch this

[erikaf-33339 · 10/10 · 4 February 2023]

This show is absolutely amazing without any exaggeration. "Nothing is what it seems" is a really good way to summarise this if it's even possible. Full of twists, mystery which actually makes sense as the story goes. You got an answer to everything, everything makes sense as it goes. A lot of people watched Pretty Little Liars, right? Amazing show, but so many unanswered storylines. El Internado is the opposite. You will be entertained for the whole time, discovering every detail. You can build theories, some of them could be correct or entirely false. Every single detail is important. You also got a little bit of everything. Secret after secret but in the same time you get scary, mysterious, funny, emotional, sad, everything you can think of. The whole thing feels real. You get a little romance, but it plays a small part.

I barely warch anything but horror. I made my friends watch this - a comedy fan, a drama lover, an action movie guy, an "idk what to watch" type, a sceptic. All of them loved it. Jokes aside - everyone was obsessed.

Down side: you will not be able to stop watching it, you will feel empty when it's over.

You miss out a lot, if you decide not to watch it.

i need helpp

[marijalazic-39301 · 10/10 · 29 July 2021]

Can someone please tell me where are u people whatch this? I know its on netflix but its not in my country.

Best web series

[tejapotter · 10/10 · 31 January 2021]

It's an old type genre combining all horror and thriller concepts...but it is an classic webseries that no one should miss it.

Addictive and fun, but a bit ludicrous!

[devikamenon · 7/10 · 25 July 2016]

Netflix has decided for some unknown reason to take El Internado off the air. To be fair they did give me adequate warning, but on Friday I still went to watch it as usual of an afternoon and found that it had disappeared. Sigh. I feel bereft.

Anyhow, in memory of this slyly addictive show, I will do a review in its honor. Now at the outset I must say that no one was more surprised than me that I was so hooked, but the fact remains that it was strangely well-written for such a ludicrous premise. That premise being that there is a boarding school (the eponymous El Internado de la Laguna Negra) somewhere in rural Spain which attracts the kids of that country's elite, but there are mysterious events afoot with an abundance of underground passages, missing children from the school's history as a former orphanage, and adults with plenty to hide.

There is skulduggery, for lack of a better word, in every episode with breathtakingly foolish actions and impossible coincidences galore. However, to offset all this is the genuine chemistry among the cast and the almost constant thread of humor that lends the proceedings some lifesaving levity. At the center are the group of teenagers, the principal and teachers, the administrator Jacinta, and two staff members, Maria the cleaner and Fermin the cook.(We are to believe there is but one cleaner in a school of 400 students, but that is just one lapse to overlook because you are too addicted.)

Full review at:http://devikamenon.blogspot.com/2016/07/watched-el- internado.html#more

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[micaj-26849 · 10/10 · 8 October 2018]

I watched the whole series 3 times. it's amazing. really really amazing.

Too addictive, not good

[journeyousglory · 6/10 · 22 February 2017]

This show is addictive in a very unhealthy way. The plot twists can be as ludicrous as a novella, but it is better prepared. Some of the characters become tiresome, a bit obvious or one-dimensional. You get very quickly invested in the thickening and mysterious plot, so you will watch more just to see what happens, even though there may not always be a quickly developing pace- lots of repetition.

Actually, I don't know if this show develops quickly enough or not, there certainly are a lot of twists and turns. I think I am just tired of them all and want some sort of satisfying culmination to occur. This show is worse than crack.

Started good but slowed down to a crawl

[davemerino · 4/10 · 17 March 2019]

#1 complaint: Elsa, played, way over the top. #2 Paula is just always in the way, giving everything away. #3 I had to stop watching after 2.5 seasons, I read the description for the rest of the episodes & it is just too little dragged out. There are other shows I'd recommend but this is Not 1 of them. Sorry, the actress that plays Elsa plays the same character in every show she is in. She ruined this show for me.

One of the best tv serie i've watched

[mariaandreea-59249 · 10/10 · 1 January 2021]

El internado Laguna Negea was one of the best i've seen in my life. The story, the characters, the actors were amazing. I've seen 7 seasons on 8 weeks.

The boarding school season 6

[kazhoahmad · 8/10 · 28 May 2021]

I can't see the drama the broadind school why not see the drama.