‘Griselda’ delivers criminally good drama
Griselda is one of Netflix’s newest drama six-episode limited series telling the story of a real Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco.The show is set primarily in Miami, in the late 1970s into the 1980s with the show being primarily set in Miami. The show is an explosive and dramatic fictionalized retelling of the rise and fall of the namesake, Griselda.
The show immediately begins with a quote from Pablo Escobar, infamous drug lord and the founder and sole leader of the Medellín Cartel, “The only man I was ever afraid of was a woman named Griselda Blanco.” This quote showcases Griselda as a figure to be feared from the jump, being told to us by one of the most infamous drug kingpins ever to exist. His quote also introduces us to an important theme of the show; men doubting the capabilities of women.
Griselda is played by Modern Family’s Sofía Vergara who is also one of the show’s executive producers. The show’s cast also includes a beyond talented cast which includes Alberto Guerra, Juliana Aidén Martinez, Martín Rodríguez, Vanessa Verlito. There are numerous other people who all contribute to a very well-rounded production.
Griselda follows the namesake fleeing her home in Columbia with her children while suffering from an abdominal injury. She is very clearly scared and anxious to leave as soon as possible, though it isn’t immediately known why. She runs to Miami, Florida. While leaving, she had smuggled drugs with her and was planning to sell it to have some money. Throughout the show she has ups and downs as she becomes a rising figure in the Miami drug scene. As she grows in power and influence, her employees and associates’ begin to refer to her as “la Madrina” or the Godmother. A title she soon would embrace.
Though the series is quite short the episodes are beyond packed with content, proving the quality over quantity ideal to be true. Each episode is stressful and full of tension. The viewer then begins to root for Griselda despite her goal being to become a powerful drug dealer, embodying the ‘anti-hero’ television arc to a tee. This is due in part to her often fighting against the boy’s club-esque patriarchy and others who’d see to her destruction. She is differentiated and stands out from other dealers in that she is a woman and she fights for the influence harder than one else.
Given that Griselda is a villain, it might be obvious to say, but her character is flawed. She is a complex character who begins to act immorally to help her kids out, but once she gains notable influence it soon becomes clear that her ultimate goal has shifted to hold a significant power. She is never satisfied no matter how much she has, and she begins to forge her own reality and ignore facts to maintain her perceptions. Her actions soon become more destructive and violent the more realistic the reality of ultimate power becomes within reach.
Griselda is contrasted with a woman, Carmen, played by Vanessa Verlito who is another mother who escaped the cartel back in Columbia, but wants to do right by her children, but ultimately she too falls prey to the promise of wealth. Additionally contrasted by a female detective in Miami Law enforcement who is frequently treated with no respect and not only looked past, but belittled despite her invaluable work to her field.
Vegara plays the role perfectly, embodying the character, using significant prosthetics to become her entirely, being a significant departure from her prior more comedic roles. Additionally, the series also really sets the tone of the era extremely well, showing a unique view of society during the time, really appearing as though it’s been filmed in the late 70s with the costumes, lighting, and sets.
Though the program isn’t an entirely accurate portrayal of the real life Griselda Blanco, it is an exciting and fascinating representation of her life. It really draws the viewers in as you want to see the outcome for her, making them become beyond invested in character. Though some people who are fluent Spanish speakers may struggle with the high volume of Spanish dialogue, if you’re willing to look past it, it is a really enjoyable show.
