Our take
After more than a decade apart on-screen, Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna finally reunite in La Máquina. While they maintained their friendship off-screen, it’s just so fun to see them take on a more comedic dynamic as they snipe at each other, get into trouble, and scramble to get things right. It’s the best part of this series, and with Gabriel Ripstein’s direction, the series is never boring, continuing to move in unexpected directions with swiveling camera movements and such a slick score. While there are some issues with the pacing, La Máquina is fun to watch, especially when focused on their leads.
The story
After a devastating loss, Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna is at a low point in his boxing career. Lucky for him, his manager and best friend Andy Lujan is determined to get him back on top. But when a nefarious organization rears its head, the stakes of this rematch become life or death. Esteban must juggle his own personal demons and protect his family.
Elsewhere
"It’s a bit of a knowing, self-critique while also allowing total deflection."
— Cristina Escobar
"Despite a cumbersome narrative and a sometimes confusing tone, La Máquina has many high points. All these years later, Luna and Berna’s on-screen chemistry remains electric."
— Aramide Tinubu
After a devastating loss, boxer Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna has a shot at making a comeback thanks to his manager and best friend Andy Lujan. However, when a nefarious organization rears its head, making it to fight night becomes a matter of life and death, both due to the mysterious gang and Osuna’s ailing mind.
Besties Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, of course. The whole series stemmed from them wanting to collaborate, so it’s no surprise that they’re the stars here.
So glad to see Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna get together to maximize their joint slay.
The details
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
