Griselda: Sofia Vergara’s crime drama is a fascinating and fun watch, say critics
News Desk TTP
Sofia Vergara’s new web series, Griselda, hit Netflix on January 25. The crime drama tells the story of a savvy and ambitious Colombian businesswoman called Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most powerful drug cartels in history, earning the moniker – ‘the godmother of cocaine.’
The series has been rated 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and the IMDb rating stands at 8/10. Reviews have been mostly positive for the series, with Sofia being lauded for her performance.
Hindustan Times wrote that Sofia ‘lends Netflix’s soft Griselda some much-needed steel.’ They lauded Netflix for getting the representation right by hiring a Colombian actor for her role in the six-part series.
Indiatimes called the series ‘pulpy and stylish.’ But they did point out that writer Doug Miro plays a little ‘fast and loose’ with the narrative by taking cinematic liberties.
Times of India wrote that Sofia’s ‘turn as the vicious Narca Griselda is a fascinating watch.’ They lauded the actor’s transformation for the role, as well as for ‘showcasing a woman who transforms into a predator after being prey for so long.’
Ready Steady Cut praised Sofia’s performance but pointed out that the series’ ending ‘feels underwhelming’ and fails to explore the later stages of Griselda’s life.
The series, directed by Andrés Baiz, is based on the life of Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco Restrepo. Known as the ‘godmother of cocaine’ in 1980s Miami, Griselda was eventually assassinated in Medellín on September 3, 2012, aged 69. Her life has often been mentioned in songs by Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Westside Gunn and others. Catherine Zeta-Jones also once acted in a Lifetime movie based on her life in 2018 titled Cocaine Godmother. Interestingly, Jennifer Lopez has also acted in a film called The Godmother based on Griselda, but it never released.