‘La Máquina’ Review: Gael García Bernal Leads Haunting Boxing Mystery Series

Disney+’s first original Spanish-language television series deserves to be celebrated.

Following the 2023 wrestling film Cassandro, Gael García Bernal takes center stage in the boxing ring in Disney+’s La Máquina. Produced by Searchlight TV, the series makes history as Hulu’s first original Spanish-language television series. This is not the first time the streaming platform has housed a series in a language other than English; La Máquina follows the recent success of Shōgun, which broke records with its 18 Emmy Award wins.

To have a series set in Mexico and spoken in Spanish is a great win for increasing Latine representation. Latine audiences are disproportionately represented in entertainment while the demographic accounts for 24% of box office sales and streaming viewership numbers, which further highlights the importance of La Máquina. The series is likewise exciting, as it follows the intricacies of being a beloved boxing star.

What Is ‘La Máquina’ About?

Gael García Bernal punching an opponent so hard his head spins andblood flies out in La Maquina | Agents of Fandom
Gael García Bernal commands on screen and in the ring. Image Credit: Disney+.

Gael García Bernal — who also produced the series alongside Diego Luna — plays Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna, a boxing star who suffers a devastating match loss. Following this, he has to prove himself, or face retirement. However, La Máquina’s boxing skills are not the only deciding force in his future. 

Esteban has a troubled past that the viewer cannot help but empathize with. He is extremely driven to win and be the best, yet he suffers from addiction. The parasocial relationships that Esteban deals with are also another important component; he can’t even go on a date without being recognized and approached. The consequences of his fame and wealth are explored in depth, but it is not all the glamor one might assume. The series does not shy away from exploring Esteban’s battle with addiction, and how his previous marriage was affected by his career. Even when it comes to winning his matches, things may not be what they seem…

Diego Luna also stars as Andy in the series, La Máquina’s best friend and manager. His character motivates Esteban, making deals to get him back on top. Luna’s performance is incredible; the stress of this situation is tearing Andy apart, and his full acting range is on display. He also has a fascinating relationship with his mother, who constantly berates him. It’s incredible to see Luna present as a confident businessman, then shrink in presence and slouch with the posture of a small child afraid of their parent.

Eiza González plays Irasema Osuna, arguably the most intriguing character in the series. Irasema is Esteban’s ex-wife, and they have two children together. Irasema is a journalist, who has a fiery spirit and amazing on-screen presence thanks to González’s performance. In one scene with Bernal and Luna, González steals the spotlight to rebuke the boxing team and give them a reality check — a perfect encapsulation of their dynamic.

Diego Luna, Eiza González, and Gael García Bernal Carry ‘La Máquina’ With Great Performances

Diego Luna, Eiza Gonzalez, and Gael Garcia Bernal signing and dancing in a bar in 'La Máquina' | Agents of Fandom
The trio enjoys a moment of fun and karaoke before their lives change. Image Credit: Disney+.

The leading trio has an interesting dynamic in the series. Esteban and Andy are best friends, and constantly bicker over the other’s choices. Andy is always looking out for Esteban, but Esteban doesn’t approve of some of Andy’s choices and resents him for the situation they’re now in. Irasema is pretty overt in her disapproval both of their past and present, holding them accountable when no one else will. She reminds them that their actions have consequences outside of themselves.

In all of their scenes apart, each of the actors steals the screen while managing to maintain that incredible chemistry together. When they are on screen together, there is no doubt they’ve been in each other’s lives for a very long time; their bond on-screen proves just how much they have to lose.

‘La Máquina’ Pulls No Punches

Eiza González’s Irasema is on the case to solve this mystery. Image Credit: Disney+.

The acting performances in La Máquina are incredible. From exploring heavy topics such as addiction, dysfunctional parental relationships, and protecting family, the main trio displays a great range of emotions that keeps the viewer engaged. As the series unfolds, more information about Esteban’s past and motivations, are unraveled. The Disney+ series also delves into how Andy and Esteban’s actions affect the other characters with side characters all having clear intentions and feeling three-dimensional. La Máquina is an amazing series.; as the first of its kind Spanish-language original for Hulu, it is a massive win for Latino media and Latine representation.

La Máquina premiered on October 9 on Disney+. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.

'La Máquina' Review

'La Máquina' Review
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The Good

  • Incredible character development drives the series forward in an interesting way.
  • Well-paced tension and mystery will keep the viewer in suspense.
  • Incredibly stunning cinematography is a joy to watch.
  • The series is entirely in Spanish (with subtitles available of course), which should be celebrated.
  • The series gets a lot done in a relatively short amount of time.

The Bad

  • Only six episodes — with a pair of the latter episodes being on the shorter side — leaves you wanting more.
  • Eiza González's Irasema is very impactful on screen, but the series would benefit from her having more screentime.
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