After nearly two decades away from the screen, Angélica Rivera, beloved for her role as "La Gaviota" in the hit telenovela "Destilando amor," is making her highly anticipated return to the world of acting. Rivera, who walked away from acting to become the First Lady of Mexico, now stars in the new series "Con esa misma mirada," which is set to premiere on March 21, 2025, on the streaming platform ViX.
The story revolves around Eloisa Obregón de Hidalgo, portrayed by Rivera, who faces personal and familial upheaval when she discovers her husband, successful attorney Octavio Hidalgo, has been unfaithful. For years, Eloisa has played the role of the perfect wife and mother, sacrificing her own dreams and ambitions to support her family. When her seemingly perfect life begins to crumble, she embarks on a transformative quest for self-discovery, rekindling her passions and eventually falling for a younger man.
"Eloisa's character reflects the struggles many women face today, as she overcomes societal expectations and rediscovers her identity," Rivera explained, emphasizing the show's theme of female empowerment. The actress, who is now 55, encourages viewers to acknowledge the continued relevance of such personal dilemmas, stating, "Unfortunately, the themes remain the same; men who abandon their families for love elsewhere affect the children. I hope this story resonates and prompts change."
"Con esa misma mirada" is not just about Eloisa but also intricately portrays the lives of her children, who grapple with their own struggles amid the turmoil of their family. Samuel, played by Nicolás Haza, breaks ties with his father to pursue photography, Antonia, portrayed by Sofía Castro, battles the pressure of perfection imposed by her father, and Matilde, played by Ivanna Castro, confronts her insecurities about body image. This multifaceted narrative examines not only individual growth but the fabric of familial ties and friendships as they undergo trials of loyalty and betrayal.
The series, which is divided across three seasons with eight episodes each, revitalizes the previously told story by exploring the emotional depth of its characters. It is based on the original work "Señora Isabel" from renowned Colombian writer Bernardo Romero Pereiro and is produced by Epigmenio Ibarra under the direction of Alba Gil and Pitipol Ybarra.
Rivera's decision to take on this role marks her return to the screen after 18 years, following her last appearance before taking her place as First Lady, which was alongside Enrique Peña Nieto. During the promotional activities for the show, Rivera described her return to acting as both exciting and challenging, especially reengaging with intimate scenes on set. She stated, "It was hard for me as an actress. But I took the opportunity to discover my capacity to love through my character. Everyone will see the sensual scenes woven throughout the storyline, highlighting Eloisa's emotional awakening."
Rumors have swirled around her alleged romantic involvement with co-star Diego Klein, who plays her love interest, Pablo Casas. Rivera quickly dismissed the whispers, labeling them as unfounded speculation. "A photoshoot does not equate to dating. If professional photos imply romance, then I find little to say," she remarked, adding, "Even if people claim to have seen us 'affectionate', those actions would not diminish my integrity or autonomy."
Klein, who is 36, acknowledged the chemistry between their characters but separated it from real-life feelings, humorously affirming, "She’s stunning, and we became like family. I’m open to love, but the most important is our characters' connection." This lighthearted exchange displays professionalism yet hints at the close, collaborative environment created on set.
"Con esa misma mirada" offers more than drama; it serves as a powerful narrative aimed at empowering women, showcasing themes of rediscovery, resilience, and self-worth. Rivera advocated for the foundation of women’s strength, declaring, "Women do not lose their value as they age; we can reinvent ourselves and love how we choose." This potent message resonates throughout the series, mirroring Rivera's personal views on aging, love, and independence. The show promises to question ageist stereotypes and redefine societal norms surrounding women and their roles.
Supporting this poignant narrative is Rivera's daughter, Sofía Castro, who contributes to the storyline. "It’s been my dream to work alongside my mom; I grew up watching her act on set, and getting this opportunity was magical," said Castro. She shares the role of Eloisa’s daughter, marking her own debut as a professional actress. Yet, she acknowledged, "The dynamic we portray on screen diverges greatly from our real relationship. Working together has been incredible but challenging at the same time."
On the business side, prospective viewers should note the platform ViX requires premium access to view the series, priced at 119 pesos monthly or 599 pesos for the annual plan, effectively making it accessible to those eager for this fresh narrative.
With the upcoming release of "Con esa misma mirada," Angélica Rivera looks set to captivate audiences once more, inviting both reflection and conversation on themes of love, loyalty, and the strength of women. The actress’s commanding return to the spotlight reestablishes her as not just the former First Lady but as a prominent figure ready to narrate compelling stories filled with complexity and depth.