Watch Veneno

Veneno is a Spanish-language biographical drama miniseries that premiered on HBO in 2020. The show tells the story of Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, a Spanish transgender woman and drag queen who became a national sensation in the 1990s under the stage name La Veneno. The series is created by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, and it is based on the autobiography of La Veneno herself.

The show is divided into eight episodes, each representing a different phase in La Veneno's life. The episodes are not presented in a linear order, but they rather jump back and forth in time, covering important events in her life from childhood to her untimely death in 2016. The non-linear narrative style allows the viewer to get a more complete picture of La Veneno's life and the challenges she faced throughout it.

Veneno is not just a show about a drag queen, it is a show about resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. The show delves into the complexities of gender identity, sexual orientation, family, and social stigma. La Veneno's life was marked by rejection, abuse, and discrimination, but she never gave up fighting for her right to live as her authentic self.

The show is anchored by an outstanding performance by its lead actress, Jedet Sánchez. She portrays La Veneno with sensitivity, charm, and depth. Her performance captures the flamboyance and confidence of the character, but it also conveys her vulnerability, pain, and sadness. The rest of the cast is also excellent, with many actors taking on several roles at different stages in La Veneno's life.

One of the strengths of the show is its visual style. Veneno is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors, flashy costumes, and inventive cinematography. The show uses different techniques to create a mesmerizing and dreamlike atmosphere. The music is also a highlight of the show, with a soundtrack that spans several decades and genres. The songs are carefully selected to reflect the mood and tone of each scene, and they help to transport the viewer to different times and places.

Another remarkable aspect of the show is the way it exposes the harsh reality of transgender people in Spain. The show does not shy away from showing the violence, discrimination, and marginalization that transgender people face on a daily basis. It also highlights the lack of legal protection and recognition for transgender people in Spain, and the bias and ignorance of the medical and legal systems towards them.

Despite the heavy themes, Veneno manages to balance drama with humor and heart. The show has many funny and touching moments that make it more than just a tragic story. La Veneno's personality shines through every scene, and she is impossible not to love and admire.

Veneno is also a show that celebrates diversity and inclusion. It features a diverse cast of actors, including transgender performers and people of color. The show also highlights the importance of community and solidarity in the face of adversity, and it shows how a group of diverse people can come together to support each other and make a difference.

Overall, Veneno is a must-watch show. It is a powerful and moving tribute to a remarkable person and a vital piece of Spanish LGBTQ+ history. It is a show that challenges prejudices, raises awareness, and inspires hope. It is a show that everyone should watch.

Veneno is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between March 29, 2020 and on HBO