Selena: The Series

Selena: The Series is an emotionally captivating, American biographical drama series that streams on Netflix. Released in two parts, the first batch of episodes was made available to viewers in December 2020, with its culmination in May 2021. The series, filled with nostalgia and a gripping narrative, was created and developed by Moisés Zamora. Widely recognized as a powerful homage to the late Tejano music superstar, Selena Quintanilla, this show has certainly struck a chord with fans worldwide.

The central focus of Selena: The Series is the life and career of Selena Quintanilla, a beloved Mexican-American singer hailed as the "Queen of Tejano music." The series humanizes the music icon as it traces her journey from a young girl singing in her family's band, Selena y Los Dinos, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to her rapid ascent to stardom and the significant trials and tribulations she faced along the way.

More than just a musical journey, the series is a heartening and inspiring story of family, love, hope, and perseverance. It beautifully showcases the strong bond and collaboration within the Quintanilla family, each playing instrumental roles in Selena's success. It accentuates that Selena's music was not just her solo effort but the result of her family's collective hard work, dedication, and passion.

The talented cast of Selena: The Series brings their characters to life with impeccable performances. Christian Serratos shines in the lead role, bringing untold depth and charisma to the role of Selena. Ricardo Chavira, as Selena's father and manager Abraham Quintanilla, and Seidy Lopez, as her supportive mother Marcella, deliver powerful performances. Gabriel Chavarria and Noemi Gonzalez also establish strong performances as her older siblings A.B. and Suzette.

The series is a showcase of Selena's spirit and tenacity, highlighting her efforts to break into the male-dominated Tejano music industry, challenge conventional norms, and produce record-breaking albums. It also delves into her personal life, shedding light on her secret romance with guitarist Chris Pérez, their subsequent marriage, and her role as a daughter and sister at heart.

Selena: The Series has been lauded for its efforts in authentically recreating the 1980s and 90s ambiance. From the heart-rendering Tejano music, vintage wardrobes, to period-specific set designs, there's a strong sense of time and place that cannot be overlooked. Moreover, the series' bilingual tone, effortlessly switching between English and Spanish, enhances its overall cultural richness and gives viewers an immersive experience of Selena's Latin roots.

What truly sets Selena: The Series apart is its strong narrative structure that transcends beyond the realms of just a musical descriptor. It is a powerful telling of individual identity, cultural heritage, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The series gives a comprehensive and in-depth look into Selena's life and music career without glossing over the sufferings and hardships she endured along the way.

The use of flashbacks and forth is tastefully done to flesh out parallel storylines and provide a deep view into the past that shaped their present reality. The pacing and rhythm of the series are much like a song by Selena herself, with moments of quiet building up into a crescendo of highs that then settle into a soft yet striking melody.

The show takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, allowing viewers to celebrate Selena’s triumphs and sorrow in her tragedies. It presents a more personal and intimate look into Selena's journey, bringing a sense of connection and relatability to many viewers.

Selena: The Series tells a poignant, inspiring, and captivating story of a family that defies all odds for the love of music and each other. The show is a treasure trove that brings to life the infectious rhythm of Selena's music and her indomitable spirit that continues to inspire millions worldwide.