Gael García Bernal and Paulina Dávila Star in Netflix’s Bold New Mexican Drama ‘Santita’

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Netflix is strengthening its dedication to storytelling from Mexico by revealing four new series that are currently being made. As part of its ongoing $1 billion investment in the nation’s creative sector, Netflix is fostering closer ties with local artists and creators, showcasing the genuine and diverse narratives found within Mexican stories.

In the latest lineup, you’ll find “Santita,” “Love 9 to 5,” “I’m Not Afraid,” and “Corruptors.” These titles underscore Netflix’s commitment to highlighting Mexican stories and traditions.

New additions to the collection include “Santita,” “Love 9 to 5,” “I’m Not Afraid,” and “Corruptors.” Each title emphasizes Netflix’s dedication to portraying Mexican narratives and culture.

The film “Santita,” helmed by Rodrigo García (“Big Love,” “Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her”), narrates the tale of María José Cano, a woman who, following a car accident that leaves her wheelchair-bound, jilts her lover at the altar. Twenty years later, she is compelled to confront the ramifications of her past when he suddenly reappears in her life. Nicknamed “Santita,” a title that belies her sinner’s nature more than saint, María José embarks on a sharp and unorthodox journey of love. Paulina Dávila and Gael García Bernal headline the cast in this moving drama produced by Panorama Entertainment.

In this romantic comedy titled “Love 9 to 5,” I’m proud to be a part of a production penned by Carolina Rivera, who has already proven her talent with shows like “Daughter from Another Mother.” This series follows an intriguing tale of two office colleagues hailing from contrasting backgrounds. Initially, they harbor mutual disdain for each other – he’s a well-connected, privileged individual often referred to as a “nepo baby,” while she is a diligent worker who has earned her position through sheer determination. Their competitive nature surprisingly sparks a connection, leading them towards a deeper emotional bond. Diego Klein and Ana González Bello lead the cast in this production brought to you by La Granja.

“‘I’m Not Afraid,'” originally based on Niccolò Ammaniti’s acclaimed Italian novel, shifts the narrative to 1986 Veracruz. Guided by Ernesto Contreras (“Párpados azules”), this chilling tale follows 10-year-old Miguel as he uncovers a startling mystery concerning a boy trapped in a pit near his home. The plot unfolds amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the infamous Hand of God World Cup scandal, delving into themes of poverty, childlike innocence, and hidden adult secrets. The series features Luis Alberti, Fátima Molina, Yoshira Escárrega, Humberto Busto, and Leidi Gutierrez in starring roles.

“The Corruptors” explores the treacherous world of political corruption and friendship in its depths. Based on Jorge Zepeda Patterson’s novel, this series chronicles the lives of four friends who are thrown into chaos when one of them shares a video alleging the Secretary of Defense as an accomplice to the murder of a renowned actress. As they delve further, they find themselves ensnared in a perilous network of power, secrets, and deceit. Alejandro Lozano is at the helm as showrunner, with Michel Brown, Zuria Vega, Osvaldo Benavides, and Raul Briones making up the talented cast.

Apart from these recently announced shows, Netflix has completed production on “Lovesick,” which is an eagerly awaited adaptation of Ángeles Mastretta’s novel. Directed by her daughter Catalina Aguilar Mastretta, this series takes place during the Mexican Revolution and tells the story of Emilia Sauri, a woman who must choose between two intense loves while dealing with a world engulfed in violence and revolution.

These new ventures will be added to the strong collection of Mexican series already slated for launch in 2025, emphasizing Netflix’s extensive initiatives throughout various parts of Mexico and their dedication to stimulating local economies.

As a cinephile, one film I’m eagerly waiting for is “Snakes and Ladders,” a captivating black comedy masterminded by Manolo Caro, the genius behind “The House of Flowers” and “Perfect Strangers.” In this intriguing tale, renowned actress Cecilia Suárez takes center stage. The story unfolds within the hallowed walls of an elite school in Guadalajara, delving into themes of ethics, temptation, and the turmoil unleashed by a seemingly innocuous altercation between two students.

Titled “‘The Dead Girls,’“, this captivating limited series is brought to life by director Luis Estrada, who has previously worked on “El inferno” and “La ley de Herodes”. The series is an intense adaptation of Jorge Ibargüengoitia’s novel that delves into the dark tale of the Poquianchis sisters, a notorious criminal duo in Mexico during the 1960s. This gripping narrative draws on one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal legends.

The film ‘Gringo Hunters’ is based on a Washington Post article and tells the story of a Mexican police unit tracking down American criminals who have sought refuge across the border. Directors Adrián Grünberg, Alonso Álvarez, Jimena Montemayor, and Natalia Beristain vividly portray this exhilarating chase in their production.

“Me Late Que Sí” recounts the extraordinary true tale of the 2012 Melate lottery scam in Mexico. Following a conventional heist format with splashes of tragicomedy, this series – helmed by directors Federico Veiroj and Rodrigo Santos – offers both laughter and suspense.

“‘No One Saw Us Leave’ is an adaptation of Tamara Trottner’s novel, painting a tale of a mother’s desperate pursuit to rescue her abducted children. This journey ignites a bitter conflict between two influential Jewish families in 1960s Mexico. Lucía Puenzo and Nicolás Puenzo are the directors behind this gripping series filled with intense emotion.”

The film titled “Unspeakable Sins” explores themes of betrayal and power, as a woman’s frantic effort to leave an abusive marriage leads her down a maze of hidden truths and scandals within the upper echelons of Mexican society. Directed by Pablo Ambrosini and Felipe Aguilar, this gripping and intricate story unfolds with tension and twists.

Collectively, these productions highlight the extent and richness of Netflix’s commitment to Mexican content, providing global viewers with an engaging, genuine portrayal of the nation’s narratives, personalities, and backdrops.

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2025-04-29 19:19