Just to preface, I am not a fan of drug related dramas. In fact the only one I have truly enjoyed was “Weeds”, mainly because the stories focus on the family dynamic arcs rather than the drugs. Going into “Griselda” I had hopes for that, only to be slightly let down. Sofia Vergara’s character mentions doing what she does for her family often, however we hardly get to see how the events effect the children, in fact, we don’t really get an insight on her kids at all till the end of the season… but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t brilliantly executed.
Griselda follows Griselda Blanco, played by Sofia Vergara, in fictionalized drama inspired by the life of the real Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most powerful drug cartels in history. Set in 1970’s-80’s Miami, Blanco’s blend of savagery and charm leads her to become widely known as “The Godmother.”
The series begins deep into Griselda’s story with her moving to Miami on the run from her husband in Mexico. The series is overall entertaining, filled with shootouts, blood, and gore. The shot choice and camera work really submerge you into the world. Sofia Vergara dominates the role, convincing you every episode that she is THE Griselda Blanco. Her dialogue is beautifully orchestrated from the same great minds that brought you “Narcos” and flawlessly delivered by Sofia. The build up of her character from runaway mother to “The Godmother” was well executed showing you the true corruption of power. She does this thing throughout the series where she traces her surroundings with her cigarette, as she loses everything. Really awesome symbolism as she is the reason her surroundings are being, well burned down in a way. “Griselda” being a six episode limited series really helps with the pace, every shot and line of dialogue feel necessary and not repeating the same roller coaster of almost getting caught and not getting caught as your usual multiple season narcos drama would. I know I said earlier I was let down by the lack of family story but the series is majority Griselda’s point of view. Although, she says she is doing this for her sons. We can see she really isn’t. And when we do get to really meet her sons, Griselda is far too gone and so are they.
The series is however your basic narcos series. Each episode the main character just digs a deeper and deeper hole, an “almost busted” here and there, and the finale of it all burning down around them. The detectives on the head of those “almost busted” moments are non memorable, the acting was on point like everyone else on this cast but there are so many characters and not enough time that it is easy to get lost in all of the faces.
The show begins to feel repetitive up until the final two episodes. In episode five, we get an hour of smoking crack and paranoia from Griselda which delivers some fun suspenseful moments. And in episode six we get her inevitable downfall. Sofia was at peak s-tier with this series. The acting all around was great but none of the characters made an impact like she did. Well unless you count the last two episodes alone, then Rivi (played by Martin Rodriguez) is a really close second.
If you like shows like this, I highly recommend you watch this. If not, this is a good one to try them out again.
Griselda releases on Netflix on January 25.
