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Hulu’s new Spanish-language series ‘La Máquina’ (2024) is a visually striking, dark dramedy that masterfully blends campy, over-the-top elements with moments of psychological tension. Set primarily in Mexico, the show follows an aging boxer and his crafty manager as they gear up for what could be their final match. What truly sets ‘La Máquina’ apart from typical sports dramas is its surreal tone and its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics. The series balances moments of absurdity with heartfelt interactions, creating a unique blend of suspense, humor, and emotional depth.
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Round 1: Story
The story centers on Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna (Gael García Bernal), a veteran boxer past his prime, and his longtime manager, Andy Luján (Diego Luna), as they chase one last shot at glory in the last match of their career. Even though he would not admit to it, Esteban’s health is silently deteriorating due to substance abuse coupled with years of boxing matches, which adds a very palpable tension to his last boxing match. The bond between Esteban and Andy is strained by their massive egos, which complicates their journey—especially as the story eventually pushes them to set aside their pride and prioritize their loved ones. What makes ‘La Máquina’ stand out is its ability to blend realism with surreal, hallucinatory sequences, sometimes shifting perspectives between Esteban and Andy to explore deeper themes like trauma, manipulation, and the toll of their choices. Despite the heavy subject matter, the show balances the darkness with humor, creating a dynamic and captivating narrative that keeps viewers engaged with its unconventional yet very compelling narrative.
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Round 2: Performances
The performances in ‘La Máquina’ are a major highlight, with Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna leading the way as Esteban and Andy. García Bernal, known for his roles in Nicole Kassell’s ‘A Little Bit of Heaven’ (2011), Prime Video’s ‘Mozart in the Jungle’ (2014-2018) and Pixar’s ‘Coco’ (2017), delivers a captivating portrayal of a boxer struggling with trauma and deteriorating mental and physical health. His nuanced balance of serious emotion, dark humor, and vulnerability makes Esteban a deeply compelling character. Meanwhile, Luna, who starred in Julie Taymor’s ‘Frida’ (2002) and the Oscar winning ‘Milk’ (2008) and gained widespread recognition from ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ (2016) and ‘Andor’ (2022-), transforms completely for his role as Andy. His comedic style is bold and exaggerated, offering a sharp contrast to García Bernal’s more restrained performance. Their chemistry, likely enhanced by their real-life friendship since starring alongside each other in the Oscar nominated ‘Y Tu Mamá También’ (2001), adds authenticity to their dynamic, making their partnership feel natural and engaging on screen.
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In the supporting cast, Eiza González shines as Irasema, Esteban’s ex-wife and a determined investigative journalist. González skillfully captures Irasema’s internal conflict as she balances her fierce pursuit of the truth about the underground boxing world with her role as a protective mother trying to keep her kids safe, which will be impossible if she continues with her investigation. Jorge Perugorría, as Sixto, the tough yet wise boxing coach, brings depth to his role. He convincingly portrays the duality of Sixto’s character, projecting a stern exterior while revealing a caring, mentor-like relationship with Esteban, giving the character authenticity and emotional weight.
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Round 3: Visuals
The visuals in ‘La Máquina’ play a crucial role in shaping the show’s surreal atmosphere and urban aesthetic. Every element, from the detailed costume and hair design to the striking production design and cinematography, honors the rich Mexican culture embedded in the story. The lighting, in particular, is expertly used to differentiate reality from hallucination, especially during Esteban’s mental breakdowns. These sharp contrasts blur the line between the real and the imagined, fully immersing the audience in Esteban’s disorienting experiences. The environments also serve the narrative well—from gritty underground boxing rings to humble homes, juxtaposed against the more lavish homes of Esteban and Andy’s lives. These visual elements not only enhance the mood but also reinforce the themes of manipulation and psychological turmoil that run throughout the series, making the world of the show feel both captivating and unsettling.
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In conclusion, ‘La Máquina’ delivers a refreshingly unique take on the sports drama genre, blending surrealism, psychological depth, and dark humor in a way that sets it apart. The performances of Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna are at the heart of the show, with their chemistry and individual portrayals bringing authenticity and complexity to the characters. ‘La Máquina’ is a compelling and multifaceted series that successfully combines its intense themes with moments of levity and self-aware humor, making it a captivating watch from start to finish.
Cast: Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, Eiza González, Jorge Perugorría, Karina Gidi, Lucía Méndez, Andrés Delgado
Cinematography: Emiliano Villanueva | Director: Gabriel Ripstein | Writer: Fernanda Coppel, Gael García Bernal, Julián Herbert, Diego Luna, Marco Ramirez, Monika Revilla, Andres Fischer-Centeno, Lindsey Villarreal, Katherine Walczak | Producers: Manuel Alcalá, Andres Fischer-Centeno, Adam Fishbach, Gael García Bernal, Gerardo Gatica González, Agustin Gutierrez, Leandro Halperin, Diego Luna, Marco Ramirez, Gabriel Ripstein, Kyzza Terrazas, Lindsey Villarreal, Katherine Walczak, Fernanda Coppel, Estefanía Leal
By Julia Maia
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