After gaining widespread fame as Gloria Pritchett on Modern Family, Sofía Vergara takes on the intense role of Griselda Blanco, the infamous Colombian drug lord, in the new Netflix series, Griselda. The miniseries, which debuted on January 25, 2024, quickly climbed to the top of Netflix charts, stirring interest with its biographical retelling of Blanco's notorious drug empire during the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite the biographical narrative, Griselda doesn’t shy away from dramatization. It portrays Blanco not only as the elusive and ruthless figure of history—often characterized by violence—but also as someone driven by complex motivations and circumstances. Reports indicate Vergara's performance has been met with high praise, signaling her transition from comedic roles to serious character studies.
Upon release, Griselda soared to number one on Netflix globally, holding this position from January 22 to January 28, 2024, and achieving immense popularity across 90 countries. Its rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes reflects both audience and critic approval. The series follows Blanco's tumultuous rise, underpinning her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of Miami's drug scene. While critics commend the portrayal of Blanco’s fierce ambition and cunning nature, they also note the deviations from true events, providing viewers with an often sympathetic but complex view.
Critical reception for Vergara's performance has been overwhelmingly positive. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted her ability to transform from her comedic roots to embody the characteristics of the 'Godmother of Cocaine' authentically, stating, "Sofía Vergara delivers a fantastic performance in Griselda.” NBC News echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “Griselda captures how ruthless the real crime boss was.” This turn has excited many fans and critics, who see it as long overdue recognition of Vergara's versatility as an actress.
Griselda Blanco herself remains one of the most controversial figures of her time. The real Blanco is rumored to have been responsible for more than 200 deaths through her control of the cocaine trade. The miniseries showcases her rise from humble beginnings, her calculated forays deep within Miami's drug culture, and her lethal methods to eradicate perceived threats. Critics note Griselda attempts to humanize this notorious figure, offering insight beyond her public persona.
Comparisons with the successful series Narcos, which also explores drug cartel operations, are unavoidable. Released earlier on Netflix, Narcos delved deep through narratives akin to the rise of Pablo Escobar. While both shows focus on highly volatile drug operations, Griselda stands out for its female lead, shedding light on the gender dynamics often overlooked within the genre. With their similar premises, Narcos’ creator has emphasized the distinct narrative paths taken by Griselda, marking it as existing within its own universe.
Despite Griselda's triumph, viewers have expressed concerns about historical accuracy. Some fans have voiced disappointment over deviations from Blanco's real-life story and the portrayal of her character, which lends more sympathy than the actual criminal mastermind might warrant. The Verge commented, “Griselda has much to compete with,” acknowledging Netflix's vast catalog of true crime stories, from Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story to Narcos itself. While the depth of character study is commendable, purists may find the fictional embellishments frustrating.
With such significant competition, the show's ability to clinch the number one spot on multiple Netflix charts globally is notable. It signals shifting viewer preferences, indicating fans may be eager for more complex narratives featuring powerful female figures. Sofía Vergara’s portrayal marks not just her evolution as an actress but stands as pivotal within the ever-popular true crime genre.
The remarkable success and the compelling story told by Griselda resonate with viewers, making it clear: there's room for more stories of women shaping heavily dominated narratives—be it through crime or otherwise. Perhaps Griselda sets the stage for similar depictions, creating new waves and diversifying storytelling within popular culture. Can we expect more such nuanced portrayals of formidable women from the crime genre? Only time will tell.