Yiya Murano: Death at Tea Time – Review | Netflix

YIYA MURANO: DEATH AT TEA TIME on Netflix is a true crime documentary feature film about a serial killer from Argentina. This documentary has so much dramatization that it feels like a telenovela at times. Then again, the serial killer herself became somewhat of a pop culture phenomenon. Read our full Yiya Murano: Death at Tea Time documentary review here!

YIYA MURANO: DEATH AT TEA TIME is a Netflix true crime documentary about a serial killer. The feature-length has a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes, which is largely due to the vast use of dramatization. Those scenes are quite entertaining because they play out like something in a telenovela.

Fortunately, this true crime documentary also features interviews with the loved ones of the murder victims. Three women were poisoned by a woman they knew. Money was the catalyst, but the method of murder to get out of debt is still a wild escalation.

Continue reading our Yiya Murano: Death at Tea Time documentary review below. Find it on Netflix from April 23, 2026.

From serial killer to pop culture phenomenon

Yiya Murano: Death at Tea Time begins in 1979, when three women die very suddenly within a short period of time. All three knew Yiya Murano, and she owed them all money. She ultimately spent 16 years in prison for poisoning three friends and relatives. Her method? Using cyanide-laced tea (hence the title).

It should come as no surprise that this resulted in a true crime case that became infamous in Argentina. The very nature of María de las Mercedes Bolla Aponte de Murano, known as “Yiya”, ensured that she would not be forgotten. She was quite the character.

In fact, the convicted murderer Yiya Murano made a career out of constantly talking to the media. Whether a newspaper or a TV show, if they wanted her to show up, she was there. And if they didn’t reach out to her, she would make sure that they never forgot about her.

This is essentially how this serial killer became a pop culture phenomenon.

Her son, Martín, wants nothing but to separate himself from his infamous mother. Or so he claims, while having clearly made a name for himself precisely because he is the son of Yiya. Hearing from those who know him, he seems to be very much like his mom.

Well, except for, as someone states clearly, his not being evil, which is a huge bonus.

Watch Yiya Murano: Death at Tea Time on Netflix now

The Netflix true crime documentary from Argentina (org. title: Yiya Murano: Muerte a la hora del té) was directed by Alejandro Hartmann, who previously directed Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta? Producing both this 2026 documentary and his previous docuseries is Vanessa Ragone (the Oscar-winning The Secret in Their Eyes).

As a true crime production, this latest Netflix addition is a fascinating watch. Mostly because it all seems so wild and reckless. From the behavior of Yiya herself (not least after she has served her time) to anyone who interacted with her in strange ways. This includes reporters, law enforcement, legal representation, and even family.

This is not my favorite kind of documentary, but I appreciate that she is a cultural phenomenon in Argentina. Also, perhaps most importantly, we hear from the family of the murders. These people also knew Yiya, and were not fans of her… even before the murders!

Yiya Murano: Death at Tea Time is on Netflix on April 23, 2026.