Unfortunately, for many years, it has been common for Latino actors to be typecast in certain negative roles, such as criminals and poor workers. By the same token, the lack of representation for Latinos in main character roles has been evident, with only 6% taking the top of the bill in recent history. However, three new upcoming series are looking to break this trend.
A New Wave of Representation
All adapted from classic Latin American literature, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Like Water for Chocolate, and Pedro Páramo strive to offer their audiences a glance into a more accurate depiction of Latino culture. Across media outlets, it has been an increasing trend to look toward literature for ideas for new movie and television adaptations. The field of Latin American literature features a wealth of narratives that are fresh and fascinating for audiences. As proclaimed by Ana-Christina Ramón, director of the entertainment and media research initiative at the University of California:
“[The new shows’ content] does offer that kind of alternative storyline from what really audiences have grown accustomed to.”
Let’s take a closer look at these new series!
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Based on the 1967 novel by Gabriel García Márquez, the Netflix series encompasses a multigenerational saga revolving around a family living in a fictional town in Colombia called Macondo. The production of this series is massive, as one scene featured at least 1,300 people in one day to recreate the bustling small-town setting. Known for García Márquez’s element of magical realism, the book and television series capture dimensions of Latin culture that are sometimes misinterpreted from an Anglo-Saxon perspective. By embracing magical folklore and traditions featured in magical realism, the television series is able to illustrate Latino culture in a more accurate light.
Like Water for Chocolate
With Salma Hayek as one of the producers, Like Water for Chocolate reimagines Laura Esquivel’s 1989 novel of the same name. The narrative follows the story of Tita de la Garza and her struggle for her independence, as her family does not approve of her beloved Pedro. In order to deal with the tribulation, Tita finds solace in her cooking, an important component in Mexican culture.
Pedro Páramo
Published in 1955, Juan Rulfo’s novel is considered an influential trailblazer for other authors such as García Márquez, as Rulfo is considered the father of magical realism. Pedro Páramo recounts the story of Juan Preciado, who is on a mission to find his father after his mother’s death. But upon arrival at his father’s village, Juan finds a ghost town — literally. The settlement is festering with ghosts and Juan discovers more questions than answers.
Ready to find your next favorite show to binge? All three series are now available for streaming. You can find One Hundred Years of Solitude and Pedro Páramo on Netflix, while Like Water For Chocolate is on HBO Max.
For more suggestions of reads by Gabriel García Márquez, check out our article 3 Books To Read By Gabriel García Márquez That Aren’t ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’
If you need some Latinx reading recommendations, check out our bookshelf Hispanic/Latinx Recommendations: Bedtime Stories, Poetry, and Novels!
