**La Máquina: Hulu’s Inaugural Spanish-Language Series Packs a Punch**
In the initial moments of *La Máquina*, Hulu’s latest six-episode boxing drama, we are immersed in a realm where the stakes are immense, and even the slightest misstep can lead to transformative consequences. This series, which represents Hulu’s pioneering Spanish-language original, features real-life friends Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal in a raw, tension-laden tale that unveils the grim underside of the boxing scene.
### A Peek into *La Máquina*
The series commences with a scene that establishes the atmosphere for what’s to come. Diego Luna embodies Andy, a polished, Botoxed, and spray-tanned boxing manager with a desire for dominance. In the opening scene, Andy chastises his assistant for presenting him with the incorrect drink, a seemingly minor error that escalates into chaos. The drink is not merely a refreshment; it is integral to the superstition of the aging boxer Esteban, portrayed by Gael García Bernal, whom Andy oversees. Esteban, known as *La Máquina* (The Machine), holds the belief that having a particular brand of drink prior to each bout is vital for his success. When the right drink isn’t on hand, Andy peels the label off a substitute, praying Esteban won’t detect the switch. Yet, inevitably, he does — and shortly thereafter, Esteban is shown sprawled in the back of an ambulance, seemingly validating the superstition.
This minor occurrence encapsulates the greater themes of the series: the delicate interplay between superstition and reality, and the immense stakes that infiltrate every facet of the boxing domain.
### The Story: A Struggle for Redemption
At its essence, *La Máquina* narrates a tale of redemption, camaraderie, and the perilous realm of rigged fights. Esteban, an aging boxer, stands at the brink of his career’s conclusion. He’s uncertain whether he has one last fight left in him, but Andy, his manager and closest friend, is resolute in getting him back in the ring for one final chance at fame. Nonetheless, Andy’s intentions are not entirely commendable. Throughout the years, he has associated with dubious figures, orchestrating fixed fights to secure favorable outcomes for his clients — and for himself. Now, the underworld associates he’s mingled with are demanding repayment.
The message from the underworld is unmistakable: “Esteban tiene que perder” (Esteban must lose). If Esteban does not throw his next match, both he and Andy face deadly consequences. This creates a high-pressure dilemma for Esteban, who must not only gear up for a comeback but also navigate the personal and professional hurdles that accompany it. His family, including his ex-wife Irasema (played by Eiza González), is also ensnared in the turmoil. As a journalist, Irasema is on her own hazardous journey, investigating the corruption and obscure figures that dominate the boxing landscape.
### The Characters: An Engaging Pair
The core of *La Máquina* resides in the bond between Andy and Esteban, brought alive by the palpable chemistry between Luna and García Bernal. These two actors have shared a friendship since childhood, and their real-life connection seamlessly translates to the screen. Their initial collaboration, the 2001 coming-of-age film *Y tu mamá también*, highlighted their dynamic partnership, and *La Máquina* builds upon that legacy.
Luna’s depiction of Andy is especially compelling. He’s a man fixated on control, from his appearance (complete with cosmetic alterations) to the results of his boxer’s contests. Yet, beneath this facade, Andy wrestles with his own challenges, such as his difficulties with fatherhood. García Bernal’s Esteban, in contrast, stands at a pivotal juncture in his life. His body is aging, his boxing career is declining, and his personal life is in disarray. United, they present a duo that is both tragic and mesmerizing, their friendship tested by the pressures of the boxing sphere and the imminent threat of violence.
### The Shadowy Side of Boxing
Boxing has always provided a rich canvas for dramatic storytelling. The sport’s raw essence — two competitors clashing in the ring, with one ultimately prevailing — lends itself to gripping tales. *La Máquina* taps into this intrinsic drama, yet it also probes deeper into the sport’s darker realms. The series examines the realm of fixed fights, where outcomes are dictated not by talent or tenacity but by the desires of obscure figures pulling the strings.
Esteban’s journey transcends merely winning or losing in the ring; it’s a fight for survival. He’s battling not just for his career but for his life and his family’s safety. The series also touches on themes of addiction and personal struggles, with Esteban grappling with blackout drinking and the burden of his past choices.
