Onscreen, a quote from Pablo Escobar sets the tone for the new series: “The only man I was ever afraid of was a woman named Griselda Blanco.”
“Griselda” throws open the vault on the real-life drug queenpin’s ruthless ascent, revealing a mastermind honed by hardship, not Hollywood. Created by Eric Newman (Narcos), this fast-paced, brutal, and often fascinating limited series isn’t about romanticizing crime. It’s about peering into the mind of a woman who clawed her way back from the brink, even if it meant building an empire of blood.
We meet Griselda (a captivating Sofía Vergara) not at the beginning, but in the middle, fleeing Medellin in 1970s chaos. Scars, both physical and emotional, are her constant companions. Yet, amidst the panic, her steely resolve glimmers. This isn’t a woman swept away by circumstance; she’s meticulously plotting her own redemption.
Miami welcomes her with open arms and sizzling energy. But comfort isn’t on the menu. Crammed into a friend’s tiny house, Griselda throws herself back into the drug game, determined to carve a kingdom for her and her sons. Vergara’s transformation is a chilling spectacle – a comedic icon morphing into a ruthless strategist, wielding prosthetics and vintage fashion like weapons.
“Griselda” doesn’t shy away from the ugliness. Misogyny, violence, and paranoia become Griselda’s new reality. Each scene, sharply cut and meticulously crafted, propels her towards the throne, leaving no character or sacrifice insignificant. But with power comes its insidious poison. By 1981, Scarface-like shadows darken Griselda’s eyes, replaced by a hunger for more. The lavish castle, the yellowing teeth, the crack-fueled paranoia – it’s a cautionary tale, a telenovela-infused descent into the abyss.
The supporting cast deserves equal praise. Martín Rodríguez’s “Rivi” Ayala-Rivera is a hypnotic portrayal of a criminal mastermind, oozing danger and seduction in equal measure. The performances, coupled with the show’s gritty, vibrant Miami setting, hold its ground even when minor missteps appear – Griselda’s repetitive hand gesture, the out-of-place slow-motion sequence.
Ultimately, “Griselda” isn’t about condoning Griselda’s choices. It’s about understanding the complexities of survival, the intoxicating allure of power, and the price of defying circumstance. It’s a cautionary tale woven into a gripping drama, one that leaves you both appalled and strangely empathetic. Because sometimes, the line between predator and prey is a single act of defiance.
Griselda is highly enjoyable, well-paced, and visually stunning. Every performance is strong, serving as a commendable showcase for Vergara’s multifaceted talents. It’s a MUST WATCH!
