[The Chosen One Netflix Series Review] “Stranger Things” Mexican version in the theme of the Divine!

The Chosen One (el elegido) The Mexican series based on the American comic by Mark Millar consists of a total of 6 episodes. It follows the story of a 12-year-old child who discovers they possess powers akin to Jesus Christ. What will happen in their life?

Trailer

 

The Chosen One Netflix Series Review

 

The series adapted from the comic “American Jesus,” created by Mark Millar, the writer of “Kick-Ass.” This is the main selling point. He also collaborated with Netflix previously on “Jupiter’s Legacy,” a superhero-themed series that was initially planned for a longer run but was canceled after its first season due to mixed reception from various aspects, despite its promising storyline. However, this time around, the show has passed with flying colors in a short series comprising only 6 episodes. There might be potential issues since this series is an adaptation of a story set in America, transformed into a Mexican context. All the actors speak Spanish, which might lead English-speaking viewers to overlook this type of series. Nevertheless, I must say that this is a must-watch production that should not be missed.

The story of the divine offspring in the modern era has various incarnations, but this one stands out with a unique and distinctive twist. Set in the nostalgic theme of “Stranger Things,” the tale follows a gang of kids transported back to a time before smartphones, presented in a 4:3 aspect ratio throughout, except for the occasional wide-angle flashbacks intentionally stylized as such. The narrative unfolds in a quaint, small town on the Mexican side, inhabited by people of indigenous descent, some of whom are part of this group of kids. This gives the story a childlike adventurous quality as they encounter supernatural phenomena, embodied in the extraordinary character of Jodie, who possesses unique powers. Initially, the kids in the gang attempt to exploit these powers for small gains, but it evolves into a divine miracle that leads a multitude of people to faith and awe, almost causing the town to crumble under the weight of this extraordinary destiny.

The series follows a narrative journey that draws parallels with various miracles in the Bible, such as turning water into wine and instant healing of the sick. These scenes gradually weave magical elements into the storyline, juxtaposed with the coming-of-age growth of the gang of kids. The series beautifully intertwines themes of love triangles, birthday parties, friendship pacts, heartbreak, and the transformations of these kids, all seamlessly depicted together. Notably, the emphasis on romantic relationships, particularly the endearing lead character from Mexico, is a central focus, although the series does not go beyond kisses, with some scenes exuding romanticism. These aspects collectively contribute to giving each member of the kids’ gang deep and impactful roles,that they are all memorable.

And it’s not just the main gang of kids with their own stories, but every supporting character in the different narratives has memorable roles as well. Like Jodie’s mother, who holds a secret and has a flashback backstory at the beginning of each episode. The photographer who seeks the truth, the two conflicting beliefs of the priest, but the standout is the antagonist who starts with a quarrel in school, then gradually develops a parallel storyline with the protagonist Jodie, creating a vengeful duo throughout the series. He is in a mentally pressuring situation, slowly turning into a pitiable villain, as on the other side is a kid like messiah, with whom he can’t fight at all.

 

Furthermore, there is also a subplot that explores LGBTQ themes, involving the character of Jodie’s godmother who is a ladyboy and the only one of her kind in town. This storyline intertwines seamlessly with Jodie’s own experiences as an outsider, fitting perfectly into the narrative of self-acceptance, battling against those who view them as different and peculiar. The portrayal of this transgender character weaved into the story adds depth and resonance to the significant events throughout the series, making it truly impactful.

The CG in the story is at a very high level, especially with the various miraculous scenes like warping to another world, which is frequently used in the plot and is also a crucial secret of the story. However, the CG in this story doesn’t reach the level of being overly strange; it still maintains a sense of realism reminiscent of biblical legends, such as walking on water.

 

The story concludes in episode 6 with a breathtaking and beautiful final scene that successfully clears up all the mysteries. Additionally, there are several scenes revealing crucial secrets, setting the stage for the next season. This particular point might leave many viewers puzzled, so I’ll provide a brief spoiler of the ending below for a quick read.

The Chosen One (el elegido) Ending Spoilers

In summary, this series is a brilliantly crafted adaptation from a comic, featuring a storyline with intricately developed characters much like a Mexican version of Stranger Things. Every actor delivers an impressive performance, and the narrative unfolds in a unique and captivating way, filled with excitement and complexity that persists even in its conclusion. Highly recommended not to be missed, especially for fans of the writer Mark Millar.

 

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