Unstoppable Season 1 Review – a hilarious and inspiring girl-power journey of self discovery

By Jonathon Wilson
Published: February 28, 2020 (Last updated: last month)
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Unstoppable (Desenfrenadas) Netflix review - a hilarious and inspiring girl-power journey of self discovery
4.5

Summary

Unstoppable is deliciously rambunctious and tumultuous, forget about good kids and gap year pleasantries. This is a road trip like no other — be ready for a generous dose of nitty-gritty reality.

Unstoppable tells the story of three life long friends who all wish to escape their sugar-coated, mediocre and unsatisfying lives for a two-day break to Oaxaca. Before the three even have a chance to buckle their seat belts, they are interrupted by a gun-wielding ‘psycho’, forcing them to let her hitchhike. With now a fourth member of the otherwise unconventional ‘girl band’ thrown into the mix, the trio’s relationship is put to the test. Our spoilt trio of nonchalant ‘millennials’ is soon forced to re-evaluate their outlook on life. The trio comes to realize that without them, the world continues turning, as they learn what it means to live and what it means to be your true self.

Unstoppable is creative and exhilarating, the series has taken the coming of age formula and flipped it on its head. This is not a charming and sweet story, Unstoppable is not about a group of backpackers finding themselves through bucket list accomplishments or Instagram selfies. The series is overflowing with heart and soul as the women ascend the frivolities of their comfort zone to target their own insecurities in a way that is refreshing and empowering. Rest assured Unstoppable is a girl power series like no other, the direction, script, and narrative are enticingly original, setting itself apart as being an answer to the mundane and predictable.

The series is incredibly diverse in the subjects it attempts to tackle, from heartbreak and infatuation to themes of loss and mourning. Unstoppable is a platform that explores sexuality, feminism, body image, confidence, trust, sex work… the list could go on. The show offers relatability in abundance without ever compromising on the weight or consequence of approaching such serious subjects. This being said Unstoppable is ridiculously hilarious, the writing is intelligent and witty, bringing moments of drama and tragedy to the real world. Unstoppable grounds audiences so they don’t get too swept up in the misery of played out events by remaining playful and amusing. The bracing characters are ferocious and vulnerable all at once, showing audiences an honest and frank representation of young women in the millennial generation.

Vera is played by Tessa Ia, and is a fashion journalist that is coming to terms with her unsuccessful bid to be promoted whilst also struggling with an open ‘relationship’ with a non-committed DJ. Vera is Netflix’s answer to Emma Robert’s character in Scream Queens; think fashion, sunglasses and relentless brash attitude.  Ia is astounding, bringing a certain finesse that takes the spoilt brat character type from cliche to desperate and pitiful in her attempts to fit a mold, trying to be the ideal of a generation. Carlota, played by Lucía Uribe, is a still at home with her parents poet, struggling with stage freight and impostor syndrome, she is a tough headed feminist and self-deprecating queen. Uribe is positively captivating, her frankness and candor are tantalizingly comedic and profoundly relatable, bringing an authentic character to the Netflix series.

Furthermore, Rocío is played by Bárbara López, Rocío is suffering from unbearable pressure from her father to become the next leading neurosurgeon, a debilitating expectation that forces her to leave all duties behind. Being subtle and sophisticated, with Rocío acting as the voice of reason, López brings an air of understated beauty in the way her acting talents shed light on the hardships of loss and expectation. Finally, Marcela is played by Coty Camacho, Camacho brings to the table a formidable and tenacious character that chooses to forcefully hitchhike in the hopes of a better life. Camacho is robust and endearing, the strength of her execution is nothing short of moving. Camacho engages with subject matters of a more serious nature acting to show the realities and dangers of a life less privileged.

Unstoppable invites audiences to smash their rose-colored glasses and see the world as it truly is. The show is awe-inspiring and ensures an engrossing watch that is a plethora of sincerity and compassion. Unstoppable is a binge-worthy series with the leads being unquestionably likable and witty, audiences will revel in empathy and passion as they watch the four women stumble together through a skewed journey of self-discovery. The show is about friendship, womanhood, and all-round support, a coming of age story that will leave you laughing, crying and appreciating the small things in life. From the costume, soundtrack and cinematography to the script, character profiles and narrative there is little not to like about Unstoppable. With this in mind, give the show a watch as I have little doubt it will speak to the hearts of thousands and relate to even the most obscure of circumstances.

Netflix, TV, TV Reviews
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