Valeria

Valeria is a captivating Netflix series that premiered in 2020. Set against the vibrant and lively backdrop of Madrid, the show expertly weaves narrations of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Its splendid storytelling style comprises four female protagonists each with their distinct life challenges and unique personalities, making the whole narrative revolve around their lives in an enjoyable and momentous fashion.

Centered around the titular protagonist, Valeria (Diana Gómez), the story unfolds as she tries to navigate through her relationship with her husband as well as her career. An aspiring writer, Valeria struggles with writer's block and finding her voice to express herself through words. At the same time, she is also grappling with problems in her marriage, juggling between her love for her husband and her attraction to someone else. The show's charm lies in how Valeria's quest for inspiration and sense of self-mirrors her own self-discovery journey.

Valeria’s three closest friends also wield a significant portion of the narrative, bringing their unique blend of stories to the mix. Carmen (Paula Malia) is a girl-next-door figure, a romantic by heart who falls enamoured with the very boyfriend of her boss. Plunged into the whirlwind of her feelings and her righteousness, Carmen confronts the ordeal of choosing between her heart and her loyalty.

Then there's Lola (Silma López), whose fling with a married man showcases a narrative that delves into extramarital romance. The delicacy of her situation walks the line between unconditional love and the emotional perils attached to such a relationship. Lastly, Nerea (Teresa Riott) has an altogether different journey to undertake. Self-assured and unapologetic, Nerea is unabashedly ambitious and successful in her professional life. However, her personal life is a different story altogether, primarily when it concerns her parents.

While primarily a story about female camaraderie, the show does well to represent their romantic relationships and careers responsibly and realistically. From Valeria's tumultuous romance to Carmen's moral dilemma, Lola's precarious love life, and Nerea's parental strains, the narratives probe deeper into the complexities of modern relationships.

Valeria carries a relatable narrative style, resonating with every woman who is balancing her personal, professional, and social life. The way Valeria and her friends support each other through their respective journeys and their efforts to achieve happiness resound a symphony of comfort, camaraderie, and resilience. Peppered with both dramatic moments and comedic nuggets, viewers can find moments of joy, sorrow, frustration, and triumph making it an emotionally versatile watch.

Brilliantly layered storylines provide a thorough exploration of each character's personalities, inductions, and journeys. The Spanish-language series combines a subtly joyful and serious tone allowing for a range of emotions. The narrative style gives the viewer an inside look into the everyday struggles of the characters that are, at times, heartbreaking, while at others, it's inspiring.

Valeria's visual appeal lies in the gorgeous backdrop of Madrid, displayed through wide shots of Spanish architecture, cityscapes, café culture and a lifestyle full of fashion, art and aesthetics that are aesthetically pleasing. The show's lively soundtrack compliments the tone, adding a buoyant rhythm to the storytelling, enhancing the viewing experience.

In essence, Valeria is a relatable, amusing, and thoughtful series that resonates with many women’s lived experiences, dealing with themes of friendship, love, fidelity, betrayal, ambition, and self-fulfillment. Its compelling narrative, intriguing characters, and their interwoven storylines truly shine a light on life's humbling complexities in a modern context. Blended with incredibly engaging performances, it acts as a charming chorus to the tangled and tumultuous melodies of life. Valeria is indeed a delightful romp through the realities of four women who share an unbreakable friendship bond, their lives intertwining in beautiful and unexpected ways.