Cocaine Coast

Cocaine Coast (also known as Fariña in Spanish) from 2018 is a thrilling Netflix series that takes audiences deep into the pulsating heart of drug trafficking in 1980s Spain. This gripping crime drama is based on Nacho Carretero's non-fictional book "Fariña," which meticulously unpacks the drug trade's ascent on the northern Spanish coast. With a clear-cut approach, the series provides an in-depth exploration of the global narcotics industry from a specific geographic and historical perspective, shedding light on the local players who were integral to its development.

The narrative kicks off in Galicia, an autonomous region in northwestern Spain marked by its rugged coastlines and dense forests. At this time, beginners in the smuggling trade, from fishermen to divers, were moving contraband tobacco across the region. Against this backdrop, the series follows the arc of the unassuming and resourceful Sito Miñanco, our protagonist, who starts as an adventurous fisherman. The show precisely charts his journey — from humble smuggling beginnings through to becoming a leading player in the drug trade.

Cocaine Coast is an intensely regional series, steeped in the unique culture, dialects, and the atmospheric coastal setting of Galicia. It makes for compelling viewing, offering a real-world touch to its narrative, where harsh realities of life intersect with shadowy, dangerous, and nefarious underworld dealings. The series manages to keep the suspense alive, consistently maintaining an air of impending danger. Its tightly-knit plot, combined with painstaking attention to local detail, adds richness to the storyline, making it equally educative and entertaining.

One of the standout features of Cocaine Coast is its exploration of the socio-political landscape during the 80s decade. The series delves into how Spain's political reckonings, the lax law enforcement system, and geographical peculiarities of Galicia all intersected to provide fertile ground for the explosion of the drug trade. This adds layers to the series, transforming it from pure sensationalism to a study of a society in upheaval, as economic hardship provides impetus for people’s immersion into illicit activities.

The show's characters are arguably its greatest strength. The scriptwriters have created a multitude of complex, nuanced characters, portrayed by an impressive ensemble cast. The series doesn’t shy away from showcasing the dichotomy between their everyday life and illicit activities. Even in its depiction of more adversarial characters, Cocaine Coast gives them a human touch, drawing a clear line between their personal lives and their involvement in narco-trafficking. The character development throughout the series is deft, with even secondary characters not left to languish.

Sito Miñanco (played by Javier Rey) is portrayed as an ambitious and driven character. His rise in the underworld establishes him as a charismatic yet ruthless kingpin. His transformation from an ordinary fisherman to the drug lord is one of the central threads of the storyline. Rey tackles this character head-on, delivering an impressive performance that anchors the show. The rest of the cast, including Tristán Ulloa, Antonio Durán "Morris," and Carlos Blanco, also put in noteworthy performances, adding to this engaging ensemble.

The production quality of Cocaine Coast deserves a special mention. From the period-specific sets and costumes to the meticulous attention to visual details, the series does not falter in delivering a cinematic experience. The camera work and editing style contribute to building an immersive environment that transports the viewers to the rough seas, windswept beaches, and bustling fish markets of Galicia. The inclusion of authentic Galician language bonafides the cultural authenticity and builds upon the show’s raw and gritty aesthetic.

With all its elements combined, the backdrop of Cocaine Coast gives off a feeling resonating with that of other popular crime drama series like Narcos. The vivid and grounded nature of the portrayal of the characters and the intriguing plot, peppered with an environment seeped in the socio-political scenario, make it a captivating watch for anyone intrigued by the roots of global narcotrafficking. Cocaine Coast is an intricate web of characters, gritty crime, and suspense, all set against a regionally specific backdrop that demands to be watched by those who love intricately crafted crime dramas.