900 Days Without Anabel—now streaming on Netflix—is a true-crime docuseries about one of the most shocking crimes in the history of Spain. In 1993, a young woman named Anabel Segura disappeared while jogging in the morning in Madrid.
For almost three years, her family and the entire nation lived in a mix of fear, hope, and despair. Directed by Mónica Palomero, it reveals never-shown-before details and recordings that give voice to a tragedy that left an indelible mark upon a generation.
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The docuseries exposes a crime's emotional and social consequences that raise questions about safety, justice, and the limits of human cruelty. 900 Days Without Anabel does much more than report a crime—it invites us to reflect on the impacts of this case and how it is still relevant.
From a morning run to a national nightmare
Anabel Segura Foles had all the characteristics that would make her the poster girl for what society considers "a promising young woman." About to graduate from a renowned Spanish University, Anabel—who was born into a wealthy family—lived in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Madrid.
On April 12, 1993, while jogging in the morning, two men approached her and forced her into a white van, leaving behind clues that hinted at her sudden disappearance—such as her jacket and Walkman.
Emotional hell could be an understatement when referring to what her family went through while the police worked to locate their missing daughter. The 14 phone calls from the kidnappers are now presented in full in the docuseries—a disturbing insight into the dynamics between criminals and indirect victims.
Secrets revealed and the role of media
The release of a fake recording, where one of the kidnappers' wives impersonated Anabel, was one of the most emblematic moments of the case. Although the intention was to deceive the family and prolong the extortion, the recording played a crucial role in the investigation. When the media made the audio public, Spanish society responded with solidarity, and fundamental clues emerged.
The Netflix series highlights the police investigation and the influence of media and the public in solving the case. This collaboration between different fronts reveals how collective mobilization can be decisive in moments of crisis.
From Spain to the world—The global impact of the case
900 Days Without Anabel transcends its local context, becoming an example of how tragic stories can resonate globally. Like other Netflix productions such as The Asunta Case, the documentary blends an engaging narrative with investigative depth, creating a detailed portrait of crimes that cross cultural and emotional boundaries.
The impact of the case was not limited to solving the crime. Anabel's case led to significant changes in police protocols for handling kidnappings in Spain and highlighted vulnerabilities in how these crimes were dealt with. Additionally, it brought important discussions about the role of media, the ethics of investigative journalism, and the power of popular mobilization.
Why watch 900 days without Anabel?
Now available on Netflix, 900 Days Without Anabel is more than a true crime story. It reflects on the challenges of a society seeking justice while confronting its vulnerability. The docuseries offers a unique perspective by giving voice to unprecedented recordings, indirect victims, and investigators who lived through this case intensely.
The production invites the audience to revisit an episode that shocked the world and to think about how such tragedies shape police protocols and the collective memory of a nation. Watch it to understand how a family's struggle for justice became a landmark in true-crime history and a powerful reminder of the impact of violent crimes on humanity.
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