SummaryThe limited series created by Eric Newman and Andrés Baiz focuses on Griselda Blanco (Sofía Vergara), a major player in the cocaine drug trade in Miami during the 1970s and 80s.
SummaryThe limited series created by Eric Newman and Andrés Baiz focuses on Griselda Blanco (Sofía Vergara), a major player in the cocaine drug trade in Miami during the 1970s and 80s.
It doesn’t fulfil the promise it had to present us with something different, something deeper. But it remains hugely enjoyable, well paced and gorgeous to look at throughout.
“Griselda” doesn’t necessarily elevate the bar for drug-running dramas — except for Vergara’s performance, Knut Loewe’s exceptional production design and the dead-on costume designs and hairstyles. But its mission is accomplished with such ferocity and clarity of purpose. Dig out that old pair of angels flight pants and just enjoy.
Great Netflix series, wasn’t sure but a friend is recommended it and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a gritty tale and also gives good insight into the drug world but has also the effect on family and relationships.
Fascinating true story of Griselda Blanco, with a captivating performance by Sofía Vergara who has more range than I expected. The design is also one of the best I've seen, completely bringing to life the 70s and 80s,
My only issue would be it's too short and feels like a speed run through the narrative. It could have easily been spread across two seasons and benefited from letting things bed in.
Griselda doesn’t always meet Vergara’s ambitions, often settling for being a fairly standard drug trade tale with little in the way of a tangible style or legitimate surprises beyond a few unexpected kills. But the actress elevates the material into something much more absorbing than what’s on the surface.
Even though it’s based on a real person, the limited series’ beats are visible from miles away, and it’s the rare show that feels like it could’ve used two extra episodes if only to avoid an abrupt ending.
Vergara's job is to convey the darkness while also commanding enough sympathy for the character to carry the series. Which she does. She is the reason to watch.
While Vergara gives it her all, she can never make us truly care about a character so morally hollow at the core. For all its highs, Griselda is ultimately a bit of a downer.
The team behind the Netflix series Narcos have once again tackled the cocaine trade, but this time featuring the notorious Griselda Blanco, who established a massive organization in Miami. Sophia Vergara, best known for her comic chops on Modern Family, has added prosthetics to more closely approximate the character's looks. She's in almost every scene and her layered performance is the best thing about the series. The story is full of betrayals and violence, as expected for a drug drama, while the production design and costumes elevate the visual appeal. Ironically, they're even watching Scarface in one scene, a tribute to a much better film. There's nothing original or outstanding in this by-the-numbers venture, but it moves well and keeps interest. (Six one-hour eps)
The Worst of the Mafia/Colombian Series
This series earns its title as the worst mafia and Colombian-themed Hollywood production, with its illogical plotlines and artificial performances, especially from the lead, feeling like a direct insult to viewers.
Worst Casting Choice: Sofia Vergara as Griselda, whose performance lacks the depth required for a complex character like Griselda, reducing her to mere line recitations without any convincing portrayal of her supposed roles.
The portrayal of Griselda as an "innocent poor housewife" forced into crime is not only implausible but also offensive, trivializing her criminal actions as a desperate measure due to financial necessity.
The show's attempt at humor falls flat, with scenes filled with inappropriate laughter that undermines the seriousness of its themes.
The showdown between June and Griselda, intended to be climactic, ends up as a disorganized mess, adding to the series' failures.
The depiction of police as clueless and the sudden transformation of characters without logical progression further highlights the show's lack of coherence.
In summary, the series fails at character development, narrative coherence, and respect for its subjects, making it a caricature rather than a compelling drama. Creators could learn from successful counterparts like Narcos to improve future endeavors.