‘The Hijacking of Flight 601’ Netflix Series Review - Gripping and Must Watch

Netflix's Spanish series, The Hijacking of Flight 601, takes inspiration from a terrifying true story. On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday, May 30th, 1973, a Colombian domestic flight, HK-1274, operated by Sociedad Aeronautica de Medellin (SAM), departed from the bustling capital of Bogota. The atmosphere onboard was likely one of routine and relaxation for passengers, perhaps enjoying the Colombian scenery through the windows. However, this sense of normalcy was shattered upon landing in Pereira, the plane's second stop.

Two enigmatic figures boarded the plane in Pereira, their intentions hidden beneath a veil of anonymity. Later identified as Eusebio Borja, a young man of 27, and Francisco Solano Lopez, 31, they weren't your typical passengers. As the plane prepared for takeoff once more, these men brandished weapons, transforming the calm cabin into a scene of terror. The unsuspecting passengers and crew were caught completely off guard, forced to comply with the hijackers' chilling demands. This marked the beginning of a tense and dramatic ordeal that would forever change the lives of those onboard Flight 601.

As Flight 601 touched down in Aruba, a previously unknown destination, the facade of normalcy crumbled completely. The hijackers, no longer content with seizing control of the plane, emerged from their anonymity. Their voices, laced with urgency, boomed through the cabin as they issued a chilling list of demands. A hefty sum of $200,000 in cold, hard cash was the first item on their agenda. But money alone wasn't enough. They demanded the immediate release of a significant number of political prisoners languishing in Colombian jails, specifically those held in Socorro. To underscore the gravity of their threats, they revealed their affiliation - the National Liberation Army (ELN), a well-known Marxist guerrilla group roiling Colombia's political landscape. Fear escalated as the hijackers brandished what they claimed were bombs, toying with the crew's anxieties.

In such a situation the cabin crew, the pilot, and the co-pilot of the plane showed calm and composure. With their wits and spontaneity, they complied with the highjackers or so it looked in the first glace. Whether or not they did so and the repercussions that followed, one can only find by watching the show. And that is what is the essence of this show.

Calling all true-crime aficionados! Strap yourselves in for a gripping ride with "The Hijacking of Flight 601." This taut Spanish series, clocking in at a perfect six episodes, offers a deep dive into the harrowing real-life hijacking that gripped Colombia. If you've ever been consumed by the mystery surrounding this event, this show is a must-watch.

The series masterfully unravels the events aboard Flight 601, recreating a meticulously woven narrative. The well-written plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, offering a chilling glimpse into the hijackers' motives and the crew's desperate struggle for survival. But "The Hijacking of Flight 601" isn't just about the plot – it boasts phenomenal acting as well. The cast delivers stellar performances, truly elevating the material and bringing the characters to life with remarkable depth. Hence if you are looking for an interesting watch, something close to reality, this is your best watch.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times