Vis a Vis (also known internationally as Locked Up) is a gripping Spanish prison drama that pushes the boundaries of suspense, emotion, and raw human survival. Originally debuting in 2015, the series centers on Macarena Ferreiro, a naive young woman sentenced to prison after being manipulated into committing corporate fraud by her lover. Thrust into the brutal and unforgiving world of Cruz del Sur prison, Macarena must shed her innocence quickly if she hopes to survive.
Inside the prison walls, Macarena encounters a ruthless hierarchy ruled by hardened inmates like Zulema Zahir—a cunning and dangerous woman who stops at nothing to maintain control. What begins as a desperate bid for survival soon transforms into a deep psychological transformation, as Macarena evolves from victim to fighter, navigating betrayal, power struggles, and moral ambiguity.
What sets Vis a Vis apart is its intense pacing, layered characters, and emotional complexity. It delves deep into themes of loyalty, identity, and justice, while portraying the lives of women who’ve been broken by the outside world and reshaped behind bars. The series refuses to paint characters in black and white—every inmate, guard, and visitor has their own secrets, sins, and motivations. You may fear them one moment and empathize with them the next.
With razor-sharp writing, gritty cinematography, and standout performances—particularly from Maggie Civantos (Macarena) and Najwa Nimri (Zulema)—Vis a Vis blends crime thriller, psychological drama, and character-driven storytelling into one relentless, emotionally-charged ride. Over its four seasons and a successful spin-off (Vis a Vis: El Oasis), the show gained a cult following and critical acclaim for its fearless portrayal of women on the edge of desperation and power.
If you loved Orange Is the New Black but wished it were darker, bloodier, and more intense—Vis a Vis is your next obsession.
