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At the turn of the new decade, Gentefied’s a compelling narrative. Not for the Latinx community as a whole but instead offers to say to a more in-depth perspective we don’t often get to see on mainstream media like television. Such as the real and relevant difficulties within the Mexican culture.
Initially, a web show co-created by two Chicano first-gen writers, Linda Yvette Chavez and Marvin Lemus, the series’ revised as a half-hour Spanglish dramedy adapted from the 2017 Sundance digital darling of the same name.
Executively produced by America Ferrera, Gentefied’s about family, classism, identity, brown love, community and cultural differences in these sociopolitical times while displacement threatens to disrupt it all.
Within the first forty-five seconds of the first episode, expectations of these new Latinx characters rebuff the stereotype expectations. We meet Erik (J.J. Soria) as he’s riding his low rider bicycle through the neighborhood seemingly as a cholo- complete with the iconic Nike Cortez’s as he finally arrives at his destination. A public library to return a checked-out book and to inquire if they’ve received a copy of The Five Love Languages. Genuinely, and hilariously, reminding us not to judge a book by its cover.
As the show continues, we also meet Erik’s cousins Chris (Carlos Santos) and Ana (Karrie Martin). Erik is a prototypical loyalist; he rides or dies for his family. As mentioned above, he’s also an avid book lover that acknowledges he has room to grow. Erik even starts a reading initiative within his neighborhood for kids called Li’Bros.
Carlos is an aspiring chef with not only a Ritchie Valens haircut but also a Valens assimilative way of being. He has a refined palate and a scary father who we only know as el cucuy (Spanish for the boogeyman). Erik and Carlos both have a tense and palpable cousin rivalry that ages back years.
Then there is Ana, the unapologetically queer and ambitious artist wanting to paint the world in her artistic expression. The cousins are all dynamic, unique, and differ in their way, but they come together for their love of their widower Abuelo, Casimiro, also known as Pop (Joaquín Cosío).
Watching, Gentefied reminds me of my own dysfunctional Mexican family whom I love but also often argue with because the old school traditions meet the new school of thought.
It was clear to me that Casimiro, Pop, reminded me of my very own Abuelo. Selfless with his love and support, often to the point where they’d give the shirts off their own back to help their grandkids. Their endless support helps keep his family going, my Abuelo and Casimiro share the ability to motivate their grandchildren, even when the parents don’t support our dreams.
When Casimiro said, “Somos pinches pobres pero con un chingo de sueños,” I felt that in my bones.
Along with these four main characters, viewers also meet supporting characters.
Such as Yessika (Julissa Calderon). Ana’s beautiful melanin Afro-Latinx girlfriend, with a penchant for socio activism and grassroots campaigns. Yesskia nails the sentiment most Latinx’s feel, “white people may love all our shit, but they don’t love us.”
There’s Lidia Solis (Annie Gonzalez), Erik’s love interest, although I wouldn’t reduce her title to only that. Lidia is an influential, self-sufficient feminist, and Professor that also happens to help Erik’s emotional growth.
Not to mention there’s Javier (Jaime Alvarez), a local mariachi musician refusing to update his sound along with the ever-changing neighborhood that doesn’t understand the artistry of mariachi.
Last but certainly not least is Ana’s mom (Laura Patalano) and little sister Nayeli (Bianca Melgar). Ana’s mamá wanting more from her daughter besides creativity truly gave me PTSD of my arguments with my mamá. Including Ana’s mom calling her babosa, my mom STILL calls me this, which is like the verbal equivalent of her chancla coming my way.
Gentefied’s proficiency demonstrates the difficulties of growing up in a bicultural household. For instance, both Ana and Chris aspire to have their dreams take them out of Boyle Heights.
Dreamer Chris wants to be a top chef so much he has yet to realize that he’s assimilated himself so much in the Westernized ways. Even so much so, he didn’t know the kitchen staff at the upscale restaurant where he works at makes fun of him for not being Mexican enough and even test him.
Although, there’s the other side of the coin. Regardless of Casimiro’s understanding and speaking English, he chooses to speak his native language. Erik is also an exception; he doesn’t have any interest in leaving his beloved neighborhood.
Although the Netflix series centers around the three cousins, the recurring characters bring a dynamism that intermixes with the three cousins (Erik, Ana, and Carlos).
Without a doubt, the overall heart of Gentefied is Casimiro (Pop). His intergenerational challenges go far beyond that of the rapidly growing gentrification of his neighborhood. Veteran actor Cosío’s capability to capture grief as he struggles with loneliness and guilt without his beloved wife is awe-striking.
Nevertheless, the primos have the same dream; to help their immigrant grandfather and the family’s struggling business that brings them together, Mama Fina’s Taco Shop.
Gentefied is out February 21st.
