La Maquina Review: A Gritty Boxing Drama Packed with Heart and High Stakes
Boxing is more than just a sport it’s a metaphor for life’s battles. Hulu’s latest series, La Máquina, exemplifies this idea, wrapping its intense narrative in a whirlwind of fists, family, and fearsome ambition. With Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna leading the charge, the show is as much about boxing as it is about navigating life’s most difficult challenges. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or just a lover of dynamic storytelling, La Máquina punches above its weight class.
A Glimpse Behind the Gloves: What La Máquina is All About
When most people think of a boxing series, their minds immediately jump to intense in-ring action. However, La Máquina subverts this expectation by opening in the chaotic backstage world where the true drama unfolds. The series introduces us to Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna (Gael García Bernal), a seasoned boxer who’s prime is far behind him, yet whose determination refuses to fade. The setting is chaotic, with entertainers, security, and the event’s crew rushing to make everything perfect before the lights dim and the fight begins.
Esteban is the image of a grizzled fighter his hair graying and his body worn from years of battle. Despite the physical toll, his inner fire still burns bright, proving that age is just a number in the heart of a true champion. He’s the kind of boxer who’s lived and breathed the sport for so long that it defines his entire existence. But beneath the tough exterior is a man struggling to hold onto his last shot at glory.
Esteban and Andy: A Dynamic Duo that Lights Up the Screen
At the heart of La Máquina lies the magnetic relationship between Esteban and his manager and best friend, Andy Lujan (Diego Luna). Andy is everything Esteban isn’t slick, manipulative, and a master of charm. With his perfectly styled hairpiece and sun-kissed, Botoxed complexion, Andy is the embodiment of a smooth-talking salesman who always finds a way to get what he wants. He’s a man who knows how to grease the wheels with a free pair of concert tickets or a well-placed bribe, but beneath the charm, there’s a darkness.
The interplay between Esteban’s straightforward, no-nonsense attitude and Andy’s slippery, fast-talking persona makes for electric on-screen chemistry. It’s as if we’re watching two boxers with completely opposite fighting styles face off, their banter and exchanges crackling with tension. While Esteban may be the physical fighter, Andy’s battles take place in backrooms, negotiating deals and pulling strings behind the scenes. Together, they’re a force to be reckoned with, but their relationship is more complicated than it seems.
A Descent into the Underworld: Crime and Consequences
As much as La Máquina is about boxing, it’s also a tale of crime, betrayal, and survival. Andy, in his quest to secure a twilight title fight for Esteban, finds himself tangled in a dangerous web spun by a shadowy crime syndicate. This organization, reminiscent of the all-knowing villains in James Bond films, has the power to reach anyone, anywhere, at any time. It’s the kind of group that plays by its own rules, often delivering gruesome consequences to those who cross them.
Andy’s bad deal sets the stage for a thrilling, high-stakes drama, pushing both him and Esteban into a fight for their lives not just in the ring, but against an enemy far more dangerous than any boxer. As the pair tries to navigate the treacherous waters of this criminal world, La Máquina takes on a pulpy, almost noir-like tone, filled with tension and intrigue.
Strong Female Characters Fighting Their Own Battles
While Esteban and Andy steal much of the spotlight, La Máquina doesn’t neglect its female characters, particularly Irasema (Eiza González), Esteban’s ex-wife. A journalist with a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue, Irasema is determined to expose the dark underbelly of the boxing world. Her storyline is compelling, serving as a parallel to Esteban’s journey in the ring, though at times, it feels like the series could have given her character even more depth.
González brings a steely resolve to Irasema, portraying her as a woman unafraid to stand up to the corrupt forces around her. She’s not just a side character; she’s a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, La Máquina sometimes reduces her arc to being overly concerned with Esteban’s well-being, when she has so much more potential to explore.
The Supporting Cast Shines in Their Own Right
The series is not short on colourful supporting characters who add layers to the story. Carlota (Karina Gidi), Andy’s kitschy and vibrant wife, is a standout, providing moments of levity and warmth in contrast to the darker themes of the show. Their relationship may seem ideal on the surface, but much like everything else in Andy’s life, it’s full of cracks.
And then there’s Sixto (Jorge Perugorría), Esteban’s loyal coach and mentor. Sixto embodies the archetypal grizzled boxing coach a man full of wisdom, fiery speeches, and undying belief in his fighter. He’s a reminder of every great coach who has graced the screen, from Rocky’s Mickey to Million Dollar Baby’s Frankie. His impassioned monologues about life, Plato’s allegory of the cave, and the essence of boxing breathe life into the series, making his character one of the most memorable.
The Flaws in La Máquina’s Punch
No series is without its faults, and La Máquina is no exception. One of the more tired tropes it employs is Esteban’s recurring hallucinations, which are attributed to his head injuries. These visions attempt to pull the story back to the trauma of his childhood, a theme that feels a bit overplayed in television and film. While the intention is to add emotional depth to Esteban’s character, these sequences sometimes feel more like a distraction from the more compelling aspects of the plot.
Similarly, Irasema’s investigation leads her to a character who has become little more than a human clue dispenser, providing her with the information she needs in a rather contrived manner. Thankfully, these weak spots don’t derail the overall narrative, as the series quickly shifts back to its core strengths.
An Engaging Ride That’s Light on Its Feet
Despite these minor stumbles, La Máquina remains an energetic and engaging series from start to finish. Its six episodes fly by, filled with sharp dialogue, intense boxing scenes, and enough twists and turns to keep viewers hooked. The pacing is tight, and even when the plot threatens to become predictable, the vibrant performances and strong character dynamics pull the story back from the brink.
The show’s visual style, with its bright colours and dynamic camerawork, perfectly complements the larger-than-life personalities of its characters. The result is a series that, while not groundbreaking, is endlessly entertaining and full of heart.
A Knockout Performance Worth Watching
La Máquina isn’t just another boxing drama it’s a story about friendship, loyalty, and the lengths we’ll go to for redemption. Gael García Bernal delivers a powerful performance as a boxer past his prime, while Diego Luna shines as his morally ambiguous manager. Together, they create a dynamic that elevates the series beyond its familiar tropes.
While the show may not completely reinvent the wheel, it packs enough punches to leave an impression. With its quick pacing, vibrant characters, and gritty storyline, La Máquina is a series that hooks you from the first bell and keeps you engaged until the final round.
For those who appreciate high-stakes drama wrapped in the world of boxing, La Máquina is well worth the watch. So, are you ready to step into the ring?
