Netflix’s latest international series is called Time Flies (original title: El tiempo de las moscas). It is an Argentinian crime drama that started streaming on January 1, 2026. This six-episode show centers on two women trying to rebuild their lives after prison, only to get pulled back into crime.
The series is an adaptation of two novels by the acclaimed Argentinian author Claudia Piñeiro—Tuya (2005) and El tiempo de las moscas (2022). It follows Inés and Manca, who run a struggling fumigation business in Buenos Aires. Their attempt at a fresh start is disrupted when a wealthy client makes them a dangerous offer involving poison.
This guide breaks down the plot, characters, and what critics are saying to help you decide if Time Flies should be your next binge-watch.
The Story and Main Characters
The story revolves around two women bound by their shared past in prison. Carla Peterson plays Inés, a woman who served 15 years for a crime of passion after discovering her husband’s affair. Freshly paroled, she has no home and few prospects. Her friend Manca, played by Nancy Dupláa, gives her a job and a place to stay, working together in their small fumigation company.
Their fragile stability is threatened from two sides. First, Manca discovers a lump in her breast and needs an expensive biopsy they cannot afford. Second, a wealthy and mysterious client named Susana Bonar (Valeria Lois) hires them. Susana knows about Inés’s past and blackmails her into obtaining a rare, lethal poison.
Inés feels pressured to accept the job to pay for her friend’s medical treatment, while Manca strongly believes they should avoid any criminal activity. This conflict pulls them into a complicated web of deceit. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Susana’s request is deeply connected to Inés’s old life and her estranged adult daughter.
The series devotes its third episode to unpacking that episode in detail… but its real focus lies in the present, after Inés is released from prison.
What to Expect: Pace, Tone, and Themes
Time Flies is not a fast-paced, action-packed thriller. Critics describe it as a slow-burn, character-driven drama with moments of light comedy that gradually darken. The focus is more on the psychology of the characters and their difficult reintegration into society than on crime procedural elements.
A notable creative choice is the show’s narrative structure. The third episode is a full flashback to Inés’s life before prison, providing crucial context for her crime and her strained family relationships. Some reviewers found this to be the series’ strongest episode.
A recurring motif throughout the series is a voice-over that draws parallels between human behavior and the lives of flies. This metaphor is central to the title but has received mixed reactions; some find it thoughtful, while others see it as overly forced.
The show tackles serious social themes, including the challenges former inmates face, the lack of economic opportunities, and issues within the healthcare system. It also explores complex family dynamics, motherhood, and grief.
What Are Critics Saying?
Critical reception for Time Flies has been mixed, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
Many reviewers praise the performances of the lead actors and their on-screen chemistry. Carla Peterson and Nancy Dupláa are credited for making their characters’ loyal but strained friendship feel genuine. The supporting cast, including Osqui Guzmán as Manca’s brother, also receives positive mentions.
The show is commended for trying a different approach to the crime genre. One review states it “shares more than a few similarities with Black Widows” but is “less overtly funny and noticeably more melancholic”. Another notes it avoids the “scuzzy, clichéd vibe Netflix usually employs for its Latin American crime shows”.
However, common criticisms point to an uneven pace and a plot that can sometimes feel confusing or lack suspense. The unconventional structure, while interesting, may not appeal to viewers looking for a more straightforward thriller.
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Final Verdict: Watch, Wait, or Skip?
Here is a simple breakdown to help you decide:
- Watch if you enjoy character-driven stories with psychological depth. This show is for you if you like slow-burn dramas, have an interest in Latin American cinema, or appreciate shows focused on complex relationships and moral gray areas.
- Wait if you prefer faster-paced plots with lots of twists and constant suspense. You might want to see if the show’s unique tone and pacing find a wider audience before committing your time.
- Skip if you need high-energy action, clear-cut heroes and villains, or get impatient with heavy metaphorical language and a melancholic mood.
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