La Jauria (The Pack)

La Jauría (The Pack) is a Chilean dramatic-thriller series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2020. Directed by Lucía Puenzo, Sergio Castro, and Marialy Rivas, and produced in collaboration between Fremantle, Fabula, and Kapow, the show offers a captivating and spine-chilling narrative that traverses through the complexity of society, focusing on issues such as justice, power, and gender relations.

The series is set in Santiago, Chile, featuring an all-women police unit dedicated to solving violent crimes against women and children. It gives an insight into the function and structure of the Policía de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI), analogous to the Federal Bureau of Investigations in the United States. The investigative unit, led by Elisa Murillo, played by Antonia Zegers, comprises of seasoned detectives Olivia Fernandez (Paula Luchsinger) and Carla Farías (María Gracia Omegna). Together, they embark on a journey of seeking justice amidst deep-seated inequality and corruption.

The plot of La Jauría is launched by a challenging case concerning the sudden disappearance of a school student, Blanca Ibarra (Antonia Giesen). The high-profile case envelops the city in an atmosphere of terror and suspicion. As the series unfolds, the victim's association with a school protest movement against the patriarchal system and specifically, the vice principal's inappropriate behavior, becomes a critical lead for the investigators. The tension in the narrative is heightened with the revelation of a dangerously active online game that lures players into a series of violent and brutal acts. The women investigators not only have to wrestle with the escalating mystery of the case, but also have to navigate through the murky waters of institutionalized discrimination and bias.

La Jauría, rather boldly, dives into the heart of the Chilean society, exposing the fissures in their social structure and systemic oppression. The series presents a criticism of the gender imbalance prevalent in society and a stark revelation of the misogyny deeply rooted in such oppressive structures. The narrative becomes even more compelling through its portrayal of the contemplative and assertive women detectives defying the societal norms and serving as symbols of resistance against the patriarchy.

The series deeply explores the theme of violence against women, complemented with the psychological aspects of role-playing games and the disturbing possibilities of online networks when left unchecked. In doing so, La Jauría invites the audience to reflect upon the dangerous reality of cyber bullying and online manipulation, and how swiftly it can escalate from digital threat to real-world violence.

The show also addresses the much-needed subject of toxic masculinity and how it perpetrates and fuels the cycle of violence, especially towards women. It provides an intricate characterization of its protagonists and villains, a gripping plot, and a realistic portrayal of the societal issues, making the show not only a visual thriller but a thought-provoking societal commentary.

Elisa Murillo, as the lead detective, is portrayed as a dedicated and mentally strong professional, but coping with personal trauma. Her colleagues, Olivia and Carla, are given equally complex personalities and histories that enhance their professional motivations and their reactions to the unfolding case. The performance by the actors and the development of their characters against the background of a patriarchal society challenges the stereotypes and brings depth to the storytelling.

Furthermore, the setting of Santiago is depicted with stark realism, capturing both its allure and issues. The direction of the show, combined with top-notch cinematography, successfully places the audience into the heart of each scene, providing an in-depth, immersive viewing experience.

From start to finish, La Jauría keeps the viewers on the edge packed with suspense, tension, and a series of unexpected twists and turns. It is not only a gripping crime-thriller but a profound and sensitive exposition of societal issues and an affirmation of female resistance against the oppressive structures. The series achieves a fine balance between the social commentary and the thriller narrative, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate such genre. It is an intense journey that echoes across cultures and societies, resonating with the universal call for justice and gender equality.