With Apple TV+'s Pachinko and HBO's My Brilliant Friend leading as two of the top scripted series on TV, this fall has already been a big one for non-English originals. Hulu’s first Spanish-language series, La Máquina, may not reach the same creative heights, but this genre-blending, underdog sports conspiracy drama and comic thriller could still attract a wider audience.
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| Gael García Bernal in 'La Máquina.' Nicole Franco/Hulu |
Its fast pace, unexpected twists, and the reunion of stars Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, whose chemistry lights up the screen, make this six-part limited series engaging.
Bernal plays Esteban "La Máquina" Osuna, a Mexican boxing legend nearing the end of his career after a quick first-round knockout. Now feeling the effects of over 70 professional fights and recovering from addiction, Esteban hopes to rebuild his life following his divorce from journalist Irasema (Eiza González).
Meanwhile, his friend and manager Andy (Luna), who is obsessed with Botox and staying youthful, pushes Esteban to return to the ring for a rematch. This fight could either propel Esteban to new fame or involve him in a conspiracy that threatens his life and those close to him.
As things heat up, Irasema starts investigating a case linked to powerful figures in Mexico’s boxing world. At the same time, Esteban’s neurological damage from years of fighting makes it difficult for him to separate reality from hallucination, while dark memories from his past resurface.
While La Máquina doesn’t follow the style or structure of a telenovela, iconic actress Lucía Méndez delivers an over-the-top performance as Andy’s controlling mother. Under the direction of creator Marco Ramirez (Daredevil), the series defies traditional genre categories.
It mixes buddy comedy with a grounded drama about corruption and exploitation in Mexican boxing. There are also elements of romance, though Esteban’s new love interest, played by Dariam Coco, feels underused. The show includes tense, violent moments as well.
Gabriel Ripstein (Narcos), the director, manages the show’s tone effectively, though the premiere episode, which tries to fit in a lot of action within 52 minutes, is the least successful.
The episode includes two major boxing matches (one shown in detail and the other abruptly cut) along with training montages, while also introducing the main characters and ongoing storylines. It’s fast-paced but feels rushed.
After the first episode, however, La Máquina does something rare for streaming shows—it broadens its world as the story develops, with episodes becoming shorter, more focused, and more confident. Characters that start off as exaggerated become more heartfelt.
Decisions lead to immediate consequences, and the mysteries deepen. Some elements might feel overly complicated, and it’s hard to see how the larger storylines will wrap up in the finale.
Bernal and Luna’s performances are key in holding the series together, especially Luna as Andy, a character that could have come off as silly, given his obsession with youth and his layers of makeup and prosthetics.
Yet Luna embraces Andy’s absurdities while still capturing the tragic aspects of a man trying to be a good manager, friend, and potential father, but failing.
Bernal, fresh from his physical role in Cassandro, isn’t as convincing in the boxing scenes here, but his character’s sadness and fading strength are clear in his expressions and body language.
Together, Bernal and Luna elevate the series with their undeniable chemistry, bringing out the best in the cast around them, particularly González, whose role as a fierce, determined journalist adds depth to her character beyond the typical ex-wife role.
Supporting performances also stand out, with Andrés Delgado playing Andy’s quirky brother-in-law, and Karina Gidi bringing both humor and emotion as Andy’s wife. Jorge Perugorría also surprises as Esteban’s trainer, subverting expectations.
Though I wish La Máquina had more than six episodes to explore its story fully, I enjoyed watching its narrative unfold. The series juggles multiple themes—boxers’ brain trauma, Mexico’s class struggles, and subplots involving romance and journalism—and while some of these might not be fully developed, the show is still compelling. I would gladly watch more of this unpredictable, chemistry-driven drama.
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