'Gangs of Galicia' Review: Netflix show is a boring affair despite Clara Lago's stellar performance
Contains spoilers for 'Gangs of Galicia' on Netflix
CAMBADOS, GALICIA: 'Gangs of Galicia' is a Netflix thriller series about a woman who uncovers shocking secrets about her dead father's life, set against the backdrop of hardened criminals running a drug smuggling business in Galicia.
Netflix officially dropped all the episodes of 'Gangs of Galicia' on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Starring Clara Lago as Ana and Tamar Novas as Daniel, 'Gangs of Galicia' is packed with numerous plot twists, aiming to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, despite the unexpected turns and suspenseful moments, the overall storyline tends to feel predictable.
The Netflix series could have effectively concluded in five episodes, as it doesn't require seven episodes to convey the entire story to the viewers.
However, Clara and Tamar, as the main actors, were phenomenal. Their performances brought depth and authenticity to their characters, making the story more compelling despite its pacing issues.
Clara Lago and Tamar Novas' on-screen chemistry steals the show
'Gangs of Galicia' is filled with plot twists and intense drama, but it's Clara Lago and Tamar Novas' on-screen chemistry that truly steals the show.
Clara portrays Ana, a determined lawyer who moves to the town of Cambados, Galicia, to solve the mystery of her father's murder. During her quest for justice, she meets and falls in love with Daniel, played by Tamar.
Ana discovers a shocking and heartbreaking truth: Daniel's father is responsible for her own father's death. Despite this, she can't help but fall in love with Daniel. Clara's portrayal of Ana is amazing, as she successfully captures the character's grief, determination, and vulnerability.
Portraying a character with depth and complexity like Ana is no easy feat, but Clara Lago truly shines in the role. Throughout the series, Clara's portrayal of Ana's emotions, whether it's grief, love, or vulnerability, never feels forced. From her body language to her facial expressions, Clara brings Ana to life in a way that feels genuine.
Tamar's portrayal of Daniel in 'Gangs of Galicia' is equally good. Daniel is not just a criminal; he is a man who falls deeply in love with Ana and is willing to do anything for her. Their on-screen relationship feels genuine, despite the major plot revolving around drugs.
However, the portrayal of Ana's feelings for Daniel, despite knowing the truth about his father's involvement in her father's death, does not make any sense. Throughout the series, Ana is portrayed as a strong, determined woman who seeks justice for her father's murder. However, her romantic involvement with Daniel seems to contradict her initial motivations.
Her character arc should have led to a more decisive and empowering conclusion, rather than one that seemingly diminishes her agency.
That being said, Clara also does justice by portraying a conflicted and emotionally complex Ana, who continues to feel for Daniel despite his father's actions.
Predictable storyline makes 'Gangs of Galicia' boring
Throughout the seven episodes of 'Gangs of Galicia', the story feels predictable. From the outset, the series establishes familiar tropes and themes common to crime and love stories.
Despite the revelation that Daniel's father is responsible for Ana's father's death, Ana's feelings for Daniel remain unchanged, which may not surprise viewers.
Ana is portrayed as the strong-willed heroine seeking vengeance, while Daniel is the brooding anti-hero with a troubled past. These characterizations, while effective in some ways, contribute to the predictability of the story. Viewers already know that nothing can stop the love between Ana and Daniel.
The initial setup was intriguing, but the story dragged on with unnecessary subplots and filler episodes that detracted from the overall narrative. Additionally, the pacing of the series was a major issue, with some episodes feeling slow and drawn out.
While 'Gangs of Galicia' had its flaws, it was the strong performances of its lead actors that helped to elevate the series.
While it may not be a groundbreaking Netflix series, 'Gangs of Galicia' is still an enjoyable watch, particularly for fans of the thriller genre.
'Gangs of Galicia' is now streaming on Netflix
