Totalmente Diva

Totalmente Diva, also known as Total Dreamer, is a captivating telenovela that aired on UniMas in 2017. The show hails from Globo TV in Brazil and has attracted a remarkable global audience largely because of its vivid storytelling, vivid characters, and engaging plot twists. At the heart of this show is a compelling narrative that explores the themes of dreams, love, betrayal, power, and the astonishing transformation of an underprivileged girl into a triumphant woman.

The storyline of Totalmente Diva revolves around the life of a simple and stunning beauty, Eliza (Marina Ruy Barbosa). Destined to a life of penury and struggles, Eliza sells flowers on the streets of the city to make ends meet. Evidently, life has been brutally harsh on Eliza, leaving her at the mercy of her alcoholic and abusive mother, Gilda, and her unwelcome advances of her stepfather, Dino.

In an unexpected turn of events, Eliza's life takes a dramatic twist when she comes across Arthur (Fabio Assunção), a former successful model turned owner of the renowned Excalibur Modeling Agency. Impressed by her natural beauty and untamed charm, Arthur sees in Eliza the perfect participant for his upcoming modeling contest. He sees her as his last shot at saving his declining career and the reputation of his nearly bankrupted modeling agency.

Contrary to her initial reluctance, Eliza subsequently embarks on a journey into the glamorous yet cutthroat world of fashion and modeling. From a poor flower girl to an aspiring model, Eliza’s journey is not a smooth ride. She faces fierce competition from other contestants, malicious conspiracies within the industry, coupled with her personal battles including her problematic family back home.

The narrative is enriched when relationships and romantic entanglements take center stage. Central to these is the intense and passionate love story that blooms between Eliza and Arthur. Their candid love story goes through a roller-coaster of emotions and forms a significant part of the narrative. The show does also introduce a love triangle when Jonatas (Felipe Simas), a young businessman who initially helps and befriends Eliza, falls for her, creating a fascinating tension between the main characters.

Contrastingly, the cold-hearted Carolina (Juliana Paes), editor-in-chief of Totalmente Demais magazine, who is also Arthur's ex-girlfriend, is showcased as the show’s primary antagonist. The intense rivalry between Carolina and Eliza to win Arthur’s heart results in a series of events that shape the direction of the narrative.

The charm of Totalmente Diva also lies in its depiction of diverse supporting characters each with beautifully crafted backstories. From the loyal nanny who acts as a mother figure to Arthur and his children, to the lovable couple Max and Lu who add the element of humor to the story, to the ambitious Zé Pedro who is entwined in a complicated on-off relationship with Carolina, each character plays a pivotal role in progressing the storyline while ensuring the audience stays engaged and invested.

With its exceptional storytelling, Totalmente Diva explores complex themes such as the beauty industry's shallow parameters, the destructive power of intense ambition, the violence of domestic abuse, the harsh realities of alcoholism, and the socio-economic class divide. It provides a real-life perspective too. It does not shy away from illustrating the darkness and cruelties of the world but imparts lessons on resilience, courage, the importance of dreams, and the power of love and friendship.

Overall, Totalmente Diva is a wholesome package of entertainment that leaves the audience with a perfect blend of drama, romance, and sportsmanship that happen both on and off the ramp. Its beautifully penned characters, complex narrative, and a well-etched out the transition of a simple girl into a celebrated model make it a show worth watching. The telenovela promises to take the viewer on a thrilling journey and is perfect for those seeking an engaging and transformative story.