Entre hombres

'Entre hombres' is an electrifying crime drama mini-series that originates from HBO Latin America. First premiered in 2021, the series invites its viewers into the volatile, perilous underworld of Buenos Aires in the 1990s, a city ravaged by corruption, drugs, and violence, where survival seems a luxury few can afford. It provides an intense and visceral viewing experience, jolting audiences with the relentless reality of a society trapped in the loop of organized crime and impunity.

The series is an adaptation of the homonymous novel by Germán Maggiori. Showcasing the raw intensity and unabashed realism, the series stays true to its source material, exploring the underbelly of Buenos Aires with impeccable detail. This timeless, restless city is portrayed in characters that seem to ooze out of the cracks of its decaying concrete: hitmen, corrupt cops, drug dealers, and innocent people caught in the crossfire, each infused with their unique complexity by a superb cast.

'Entre hombres' plunges straight into its searing narrative. In the chaotic plight of Buenos Aires, a pornographic video of a daughter of a well-known politician lands in the hands of local thug 'El Mono' (portrayed by Gabriel 'El Puma' Goity). A gruesome murder takes place, throwing four men into an unnerving whirlwind of corruption, violence, and pursuit of power. The ambiguous morality and survival instincts of these characters are spotlighted against this grim backdrop, revealing the depth of their humanity amidst the ceaseless turmoil.

Executive producer Sebastián Ortega and directed by Pablo Fendrik, the pair wove a tale that depicts reality in the rawest forms. Their method of narrative echo the harsh environment that the characters inhabit, with the story building organically yet unpredictably. The dialogue is powerful and effective, reflecting the personalities and circumstances of the characters. The show doesn't shy away from the darker nuances of the criminal world, the portrayal of violence remaining uninhibited yet always necessary, adding another layer to the tumultuous narrative landscape.

The series also boasts an exemplary performance from its ensemble cast. Gabriel 'El Puma' Goity in the central role of 'El Mono' gives a gripping performance of a man inhabiting multiple roles - a hood, a thug, and a devoted family man. Nico Furtado as the complex cop Mosca and Diego Velázquez as the savvy and ruthless Aguilar add depth and contrast to the narrative. Each actor complements the stark and gritty tone of the series, further enriching the storytelling authenticity.

Among its technical achievements, 'Entre hombres' offers brilliant cinematography. The Buenos Aires of the '90s, teeming with life and decay at the same time, is captured in its full intensity. The setting becomes an integral part of the narrative, with neon-drenched scenes taking on the feeling of a lurid nightmare, while the grim day-lit scenes lay out the city's stark contrast in all its austere glory, almost metaphorical of the power dynamics that govern its people's lives.

The use of music in 'Entre hombres' too fits perfectly with the overall tone of the show. The soundtrack, filled with Argentine rock and bands from the '90s, not only adds a sense of the period but also enhances the narrative impact.

What makes 'Entre hombres' a standout series is its unflinching depiction of the cruel, raw, and brutal reality of urban crime and corruption. It submerges viewers into an underworld saga, where survival is a gamble, and power - a relentless pursuit. The fear, desperation, resilience, and courage of its characters are portrayed with such conviction that it leaves a haunting resonance long after the credits roll. If you're a fan of crime dramas that delve deep into character complexities and societal reflections, 'Entre hombres' from HBO Latin America is a compelling choice for your watchlist.