Summary
Gentefied season 1 offers political and cultural undertones in a firm, engaging comedy about a family trying to save their business in an area of gentrification.
Netflix series Gentefied season 1 will be released on the platform on February 21, 2020 – add it to your list now.
One must wonder how you ensure a family business can survive in a housing district that is under gentrification. Many will hail “adapt, adjust, innovate” but what if your family business is integrated within the community that is deeply rooted within its own class and heritage? What happens when the middle-class prefers the restaurant across the road because it oozes that middle-class taste? And also, what if the lease of your business premises doubles because the estate pricing is increasing due to the investment going into the community?
For Netflix series Gentefied, all of the above apply, but more pressingly, the final question is a real ache for the family presented in the story. When the family’s Abuelo realises that he’s at the end of his financial limits to uphold his taco shop Boyle Heights, three cousins in the family have to start making tough decisions.
Gentefied Season 1 is based on a digital series of the same name and it holds some strong appreciated themes. As well as supporting the family business, the cousins (aspiring chef Chris, artist Ana and father-to-be Erik) have to confront their community. In a scene in an earlier episode, Chris wonders why he is not invited out to drink beer with his colleagues which is met with a casual “Mexicans only”. There are plenty of quick moments like these that stray in your mind.
But the larger, overriding theme is marginalisation and gentrification of Latinxs. The Netflix comedy series is on the surface with its political offering but at the same time, it’s so flavoursome and varied with the narrative that it feels embellished rather than woke. The cultural undertones match the quality of the story, with the cousins having to navigate their troubles while absorbing their pops in the centre. The family-orientated approach provides Gentefied with an engaging experience, allowing viewers to easily binge.
With Gentefied Season 1 asserting cultural significance, it will be judged on longevity. There is no doubt in my mind that the Netflix series can stay for a few more seasons. The characters are worth the viewer’s time. It’s evident in the performances that the cast was sold on the script.
Get Gentefied Season 1 on your list. It’s a comedy worth watching.
