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A mysteriously devious high society collides with elitist social drama in Ares, the buzzworthy Dutch Netflix original making waves in the social thriller-horror genre.
If you love the scandalous secrets and twisted power plays that come with high society drama—and you’re also down to plop yourself onto your couch for some mind-numbingly fun horror vibes (think Eyes Wide Shut, Gossip Girl, or Elite meets the intense psychological chill of Midsommar)—then Ares definitely deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Here's everything you need to know about Ares, streaming on Netflix now.
What is the story of Ares on Netflix?
Pim Hendriksen / Netflix
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Amsterdam, this series centers on a secretive elite society harboring dark secrets of sex, drugs, and even death. The story follows Rosa Steenwijk, a bi-racial pre-med student from a working-class family, who finds herself drawn into this ultra-exclusive society with a history as dark as its secrets. Raised by a father who works as a night nurse and a mother battling severe, undisclosed mental illness, Rosa’s world is anything but simple. When her friend Jacob introduces her to Ares, she immediately senses the immense power and privilege that define its members.
Throughout the eight episodes, Rosa becomes increasingly entangled in the society’s web. She quickly gains a reputation and grows closer to Carmen Zwanenburg, the girlfriend of the student president, Joost van Moerland. But it’s Maurits Zwanenburg—Carmen’s father and the enigmatic leader of Ares—who soon takes notice of her.
Where can I watch Ares?
Pim Hendriksen / Netflix
You can stream the show on Netflix. Ares originally premiered on Netflix on January 17, 2020. Created by Pieter Kuijpers, Iris Otten, and Sander van Meurs, and directed by Giancarlo Sanchez and Michiel ten Horn, the show masterfully blends mystery, suspense, and social commentary.
Who's in the Ares cast?
Pim Hendriksen / Netflix
The Ares cast includes:
- Jade Olieberg as Rosa Steenwijk
- Lisa Smit as Carmen Zwanenburg
- Frieda Barnhard as Fleur Borms
- Tobias Kersloot as Jacob Wessels
- Robin Boissevain as Roderick van Hall
- Hans Kesting as Maurits Zwanenburg
- Jip van den Dool as Arnold Borms
- Steef de Bot as Joost van Moerland
- Rifka Lodeizen as Hester de Hoogh
- Roos Dickmann as Puk
Is Ares Netflix worth watching?
Pim Hendriksen / Netflix
If you love socioeconomic commentary, then this show is for you. At the heart of the series lies a chilling secret guarded by the society’s leaders: a creature known as Beal, a sinister presence lurking in the basement of the Ares building, where initiated students reside. This beast symbolizes the unspeakable lengths members go to secure wealth and political influence, a tradition that has allowed the society to maintain control over the Dutch government for generations.
While there’s no literal monster devouring guilt to help people climb the ladder in real life, Ares uses this eerie metaphor to explore the toxic guilt and moral corruption behind the elite’s rise to power. It asks a powerful question: What’s the true cost of power?
For fans of horror with an intellectual edge and a sharp social critique, Ares is definitely worth diving into. It’s a chilling, stylish thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
What is the black stuff in Ares?
Pim Hendriksen / Netflix
As the series progresses, the black substance of Beal (which serves to represent the violent secrets Ares members have spilled) grows stronger, mirroring the rising demands within the society. Drugs and sex become disturbingly common, and the pressure culminates in tragedy when one student takes their own life. Rosa finds herself increasingly torn, her loyalty tested as the stakes grow higher.
Without giving away too much, the show draws haunting parallels to the Netherlands’ colonial past and its involvement in the slave trade. The darkness at Ares isn’t just supernatural—it’s a manifestation of centuries of repressed guilt and shame that the white elite desperately try to contain to preserve their dominance. Rosa’s very presence disrupts this fragile balance, unleashing an unknown force that could change everything.
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