Why you should watch “haunting” new Netflix series Sara: Woman in the Shadows

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Currently, Department Q is garnering much attention as the hottest new Netflix series. However, there’s another gripping thriller that has stealthily found its way onto the platform, and it’s definitely worth checking out.

2025’s second half promises a record-breaking period for Netflix, as it prepares to unveil the much-anticipated third season of Squid Game, the fifth season of Stranger Things, the second season of Wednesday, and the fourth season of The Witcher.

Occasionally, some of the streaming service’s biggest sensations aren’t what we might expect. Shows like “The Night Agent,” “Adolescence,” “Baby Reindeer,” and “Beef” initially came on quietly but gained massive popularity through word of mouth, eventually becoming viral hits.

Based on my analysis, I believe that “Woman in the Shadows” will likely rank among the top 10 Netflix series or even reach number one. Here’s a rundown of everything you should know about this gripping thriller.

What’s it about?

The six-episode Italian series titled “Sara: Woman in the Shadows” revolves around Sara Morozzi, a previous intelligence operative, who is compelled to rejoin her old life after her son’s untimely demise. As she delves deeper, she unearths hidden truths and shadows from her past.

According to the given summary, “Sara, a retired internal intelligence agent who’s been living in seclusion due to grief, reconnects with her old friend and coworker Teresa, asking for a favor to investigate the mysterious death of her son.

However, every situation carries its cost. Suddenly, she’s drawn back into her past, a predicament she can’t escape. Regardless of her feelings, she remains exceptional, earning her the title ‘the invisible woman’. Her talent has always been undisputed.

While uncovering previously unknown aspects of her son’s life, Sara immerses herself in a probe that resurfaces many old memories from her past.

As a gamer, balancing these two aspects can be quite challenging and downright risky. Yet, surprisingly, it’s through this precarious dance that the elusive heroine resurfaces, showcasing her extraordinary skills. It’s all about justice.

The Netflix series was shot in both Naples and Rome, under the direction of Carmine Elia. You have the option to watch it with English dubbing or subtitles.

Is it based on a true story?

Indeed, the show isn’t based on my work, but it is an adaptation of Maurizio de Giovanni’s detective novel series called “Le Indagini di Sara” (The Investigations of Sara).

Giovanni is a renowned Italian author, particularly recognized globally for his Commissario Ricciardi books and the Bastards of Pizzofalcone sequence – both of these series having been translated to television productions in Italy as well.

In their work, the author presents an unusual type of main character alongside Sara – she is advanced in age, reserved with her emotions, and remarkably clever.

In the 2018 novel “Sara al Tramonto” (or “Sara at Sunset”), Sara Morozzi made her debut, soon capturing attention as one of de Giovanni’s most memorable characters.

The books have an atmospheric feel, combining noir aspects with traditional crime stories, and the Netflix series manages to convey quite a bit of this mood. “Sara: The Woman in the Shadows” isn’t based on a single novel, instead it draws elements from multiple entries.

Despite being fictional, Giovanni often blends real-life experiences into his stories. In a recent chat with IlRecensore about his latest work, The Mute Parrot (Il Pappagallo Muto), the author shared, “Sara is making a comeback, and she’s my all-time favorite series.

Although she may not be universally adored, I find myself particularly fond of her. Writing about Sara is always an emotionally charged process, for she possesses a unique talent – the ability to truly listen.

As I firmly believe that with progress, listening becomes a skill held by fewer people, those who consistently practice it wield greater influence compared to others.

We’re finding ourselves in a situation reminiscent of the Cold War, but with a twist – it’s now more intricate. There doesn’t seem to be a distinct adversary anymore, and the divisions between groups aren’t as clear-cut.

Global diplomacy now resembles a fragmented puzzle with contrasting agendas, sometimes even among supposed allies… We inhabit a realm that values image over substance, yet these images remain elusive. However, elusiveness embodies immense power.

Sara: Woman in the Shadows cast 

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2025-06-04 14:48