Netflix has recently unveiled its gripping new miniseries, ‘Griselda’ that has been making waves in the viewers’ community.
The high-octane drama is based on the intriguing life and times of the infamous Colombian drug trafficker, Griselda Blanco, popularly known as ‘The Cocaine Godmother’.
The six-part series has managed to captivate audiences with its raw portrayal of Griselda’s brutal reign over Miami’s drug empire in the 1970s and 80s.
But, the cherry on the cake is undoubtedly the power-packed performance by Sofia Vergara in the titular role.
A Riveting Tale of Power and Crime
The narrative of ‘Griselda’ is a blend of fact and fiction that showcases the lethal mix of Griselda Blanco’s unsuspected savagery and charm.
This deadly combination enabled her to carve a niche for herself in the ruthless Miami drug wars.
The series navigates through Blanco’s journey from being a businesswoman to evolving into a key figure in Miami’s criminal underworld.
Sofia Vergara: The Shining Star
Modern Family actor Sofia Vergara, known for her comic timings and on-screen charisma, has donned a completely different avatar in ‘Griselda’.
As the notorious crime lord, Vergara has managed to deliver a riveting performance, earning her a plethora of praise from the series’ viewers.
Her portrayal of the character’s raw brutality and cunning charm has left the audience in awe of her acting prowess.
Social Media Buzz: All Praise for Vergara
The show’s fans have taken to social media platforms to express their admiration for Vergara’s intense performance.
Many viewers have suggested that the actor should be considered for prestigious awards for her convincing portrayal of the dreaded drug lord.
One social media user commented, “This show is complex and brutal. I feel @SofiaVergara will win her first Emmy with this incredible performance. Bravo.”
Joining Vergara in the cast are Alberto Guerra, known for his role in Narcos: Mexico, Martín Rodríguez, Juliana Aidén Martinez from The Blacklist, Vanessa Ferlito of NCIS: New Orleans, and Christian Tappan from Snowfall.
The ensemble cast has added depth to the narrative, further enhancing the raw and gritty feel of the series.
The Real Griselda Blanco
Griselda Blanco, the ‘Black Widow’ of the Miami drug trade, had a significant influence on the city’s criminal landscape.
After establishing a drug operation in New York, she moved to Miami where her empire grew exponentially.
She became a key figure in the Miami Drug Wars of the 70s and 80s, earning the nickname ‘Cocaine Cowboy Wars’.
Blanco was eventually caught and sentenced to 15 years in jail in 1985. After being released in 2004, she was deported to Colombia and lived there until 2012 when she was assassinated outside a butcher’s shop.
Review: A Must-Watch Series
The series has been lauded for its intense storytelling, brilliant performances, and raw portrayal of the brutal drug trade.
Viewers have called the drama one of the best shows on TV and appreciated Netflix for bringing such a gripping tale to the screen.
“Sofia Vergara is amazing in @netflix #griselda I can’t stop watching all of this in one go! Best TV show in a long time!!” wrote one viewer.
The Sofia Vergara Factor
While the series has been appreciated overall, it’s Vergara who has truly stolen the show.
The actor has broken out of her comfort zone to deliver a performance that is arguably her best to date.
Viewers are all praise for her portrayal of the complex character, and many believe that she deserves an Emmy for her role.
The Unique Aspect: Smoking Scenes
An interesting detail that caught the viewers’ attention was the number of cigarettes Vergara’s character smokes in each episode.
This detail led to a flurry of tweets, with one viewer quipping that she was “smoking 53 cigarettes a minute”.
While some found the constant smoking irksome, others were simply curious about the number of cigarettes used during the filming.
Typically, actors use herbal prop cigarettes in films that do not contain tobacco or nicotine, but still give the same look and smoke effect as a regular cigarette.
In an interview ahead of the series’ release, Vergara mentioned that she had to practice the (fake) drug and cigarette use for the film.
The director of Griselda, Andrés Baiz, helped her prepare for the role and “taught me how to smoke, how to do cocaine”.