I must admit that when it comes to staying up to date with events, pop culture or news from my country (Mexico) I don’t do an outstanding job. It’s a shame because I do love its culture, its traditions, including the telenovelas. How could I not? I grew up watching them at my grandmother’s house, with all 50 of my cousins, uncles, and aunts. When I discovered Netflix’s “La Casa de las Flores” earlier this week, I knew I had to check it out.
Right away, the opening of the series reminded me of “Desperate Housewives” or “Jane the Virgin,” which is fine – after watching the full 13 episodes (more than once). In my opinion, La Casa de las Flores is created for international viewers more so than Mexicans. However, as I Mexican myself, I got excited to see a high-end production like that on a platform like Netflix. I even felt nostalgic and reminisced about my life back in Mexico.
Why? Because even though the show talks about topics that aren’t that new anymore: homosexuality, trans sexuality, drugs, and corruption it also shines a light on how hypocritical, and double-standard morals are applied in a Mexican household. I experienced first hand the whole “what people might say” thing in my family, leading me to live in fear of being and expressing myself, ultimately staying in the closet until I was 23 years old.
Alternately, the show also successfully portrays how funny, loving and over the top Mexican families are. We Mexicans always find a reason to celebrate, party big, as well as showing off for family and loving them unconditionally. The main character Virginia de la Mora played by “la Reina de las telenovelas” Verónica Castro, will do anything for her kids – even if her actions aren’t the best, her intentions come from a place of love and not wanting them to get hurt. That totally reminded me of the affection of my grandparents to my parents, and from my parents to my brother and me.
Paulina – one of the other characters, and her distinctive accent are on point! I mean, I’m not saying all wealthy Mexicans speak like that, but it gets real close. Plus her dark sense of humor entirely won me over.
As usual, Mexicans are the first ones on trashing the show – because unfortunately, that’s what we Mexicans do. Instead of celebrating our fellow countrymens’ successes we criticize and dismiss. Yes, the show isn’t perfect, but it’s damn good! If you’re Mexican, you should watch it – preferably in bed, It will bring back memories. And if you’re not, it will give you an inside look into the deceitful, complex lives of Mexico’s elite.
Did you watch the show? What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments!
Photos Chel Wardell
Jorge Gallegos
Not just a pretty face
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