Rotten P
Mala Influencia attempts to blend romance with suspense but falters due to its lackluster writing and shallow characters. The predictable plot, revolving around a rich heiress and her bodyguard, fails to generate any real emotional investment. The leads, though competent, struggle to create believable chemistry, and the film's pacing is uneven, rushing through crucial moments. Despite its visual appeal, the film's reliance on tired clichés and weak narrative choices leaves it feeling forgettable and ultimately unsatisfying.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
06/02/25
Full Review
Audience Member
There is no logic. The buildup throughout everything is so weird. Everything seems forced and the actors are not natural. The important information comes in the end but it makes no sense. So disappointed, expected something good. Usual Spanish series are top tier but this one is top trash.....
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
05/30/25
Full Review
Matthew D
A surprisingly cute romance for a movie based on a fanfiction story.
Director Chloé Wallace’s Spanish romance drama Bad Influence (2025) on Netflix is pretty sweet to me. It certainly is a generic story from someone’s Wattpad fanfic. However, it works as a solid setup for an earnest teen romance. Wallace’s direction has some nice lighting, cool camera turns, neon atmosphere, and steamy sexual tension. I wanted more style from her direction to really add some romantic intensity since the leads have romantic chemistry. I thought it could have been more tender by letting us get to know the characters on a deeper level rather than surface level conversations. I did enjoy the rave, costume party, rain confrontation, and first love making scene. The final twist is totally ridiculous like right out of a Spanish soap opera. I swear it ends on a melodramatic note, when this didn’t even have to go there.
Writers Chloé Wallace and Diana Muro excel at the flirting and intimate scenes, meanwhile the threat of a stalker gets increasingly silly. The final reveal had me laughing out loud instead of gasping with surprise. Why did they think this needed to be a thriller rather than just a romance drama? I guess there had to be some kind of threat, so that it was justified in Reese’s father hiring a hunky bodyguard? Ah yes, I will get a convict out of prison to protect my daughter! There’s no way she will fall in love with his chiseled jaw and bad boy persona. Watching them get to know each other and stand up for one another is nice. There’s always a steamy pool scene in these erotic thrillers, coming of age movies, and romance dramas.
Eléa Rochera is very pretty and charming as the young Spanish ballerina Reese, whose rich father hires her a bodyguard. It’s nice to see her gradually open up. Her awkward teen angst and fiery passion are realistic. I had some sympathy for her as her whole school treats her horribly. She starts out serious and quiet and learns to have fun and get into mischief with Eros. I’m surprised that this is her first feature film as she feels confident as an actress already. Her ballet dancing scenes are pleasant too. I hope she gets stronger scripts as she has talent as an actress.
Alberto Olmo is pretty likable as the stoic bodyguard out of jail named Eros. He looks like a handsome Spanish version of James Dean mixed with Jacob Elordi. He does do this weird thing though like he’s looking everywhere almost as if he’s blind that I found amusing. He’s fairly endearing, considerate, protective, and kind to Reese. With a better script, he’d do well in romance dramas or crime dramas. He’s very compelling for an actor that’s only been in a few movies thus far.
Sara Ariño is pretty hot and hilarious as Reese’s bubbly best friend Lily. I love her red mullet and friendly personality that adds a lot here. She should have been in Bad Influence way more as she really lights up scenes with her radiant energy and flirty charisma. Selam Ortega is funny as Reese’s playful friend Bárbara. I wish she was in this movie more. Mar Isern is likewise amusing as Reese’s gal pal Karol.
Mirela Balić is beautiful as the judgmental Peyton, who is Eros’ old friend. She’s very intense with a ferocious personality and quite sexy. I found her mean, but I understand that her poor character was jealous of the wealthy privilege since her character is stuck in poverty. Her finale performance is over the top, but at least it was intense. Farid Bechara is funny as Eros’ good natured buddy Diego. He mostly disappears halfway through Bad Influence.
Fer Fraga is insanely annoying as the cruel bully and Reese’s ex-boyfriend Raúl. He’s so creepy and like an even uglier Spanish version of Ariana Grande’s Spongebob boyfriend. The scene where he gets his comeuppance is very satisfying. Enrique Arce is alright as the stubbornly overprotected and sincerely worried rich father Bruce. His demands are ridiculous, but he seems actually concerned about his daughter at least.
Editor Mario Maroto quickly gets us from encounter to encounter without really dragging. I think some more stylish editing might have spiced things up. Cinematographer Beatriz Sastre shoots captivating close-up and medium shots of the couple. I didn’t find the flat wide shots very compelling comparatively. Art director María Jesús Tarazona makes this slick world of rich students look enticing with pretty lighting, but maybe more colors might have made characters stand out more?
Composer Pedro Merchán Correas’ sensual score and lively electronic pieces add a lot to Bad Influence. I could have used even more actually. There’s some exciting electronic music needle drops like Die Antwoord’s “Baby’s on Fire” during the costume party. The club rave scene is awesome with fun dancing and chaotic techno music blasting. Costume designer Giovanna Ribes comes up with cute outfits for Reese and Lily with sultry clothing for Peyton. Everyone looks pretty fresh.
Overall, I was entertained for 106 minutes, but this needed even more flirting, dates, sex, and character development. It’s not as bad as I thought it would be for stemming from fanfiction, honestly. I wish it was better, but I’ve certainly sat through far worse on Netflix this year alone. I could watch it again without being bored for sure. Maybe I should watch more Spanish movies?
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
05/26/25
Full Review
Nico S
Unfortunately, this was truly the worst film I've seen in years. And I can honestly say that after the first 20 minutes, I'd already seen enough and switched off. The poorly written plot couldn't start quickly enough. The script and dialogue could have been written by teenagers after reading the first Colleen Hover book, without discrediting her work. It is just packed with clichés.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
05/26/25
Full Review
maria eduarda d
This is the worst movie I’ve ever watched! I can’t believe I’ve spent an hour and a half watching that thing. it has the worst storyline ever and it makes absolutely no sense, not to mention the horrible ending! Don’t waste your time on that.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
05/20/25
Full Review
Lynda T
I cant believe we spent 1h and a half on this movie. bad story line and a horrible ending.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
05/19/25
Full Review
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